The Philippine Navy has aired concern regarding plans by Chinese investors and companies to develop three islands in the country that, according to the Navy, are of strategic importance especially to the security of the country. These are Fuga Island in Cagayan, and the Chiquita and Grande islands in Subic, Zambales. The waters surrounding Fuga is the location of telecommunication cables by which the country connects with the rest of Asia. In addition, it is an important waterway as it provides access to both the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the Chiquita and Grande islands are located at the mouth of Subic Bay, a former American base whose location is also important because it is so close to Panatag Shoal where the country is still having issues with China. Panatag was effectively seized by the Chinese coast guard in 2012 and there it maintains a large presence along with its maritime militia.
The Philippine Navy was apparently not consulted with regards to plans by Chinese companies to develop the islands into tourist destinations and more. Defense Secretary Lorenzana was likewise not aware the Chinese were awarded contracts to start development in the said islands. The Navy is asking the government to consider the security issues with regards to the strategic location of these three islands. Their concern is not unjustified. In Cambodia, the US is questioning why a runway and a deepwater seaport are needed in a tourist destination. The facilities may be used by the Chinese military. Good point. Fuga Island already has a small runway which they could easily convert into a large one. The governments of China and Cambodia have naturally denied the allegations. We’ll see. All we have to do is go back to Hambantota, Sri Lanka.
According to a military official, if the plans on Fuga Island continue, the country may be unwillingly drawn into conflict should China reclaim Taiwan as part of the mainland. Fuga could be a staging point by the military. Not totally impossible. China's influence has grown exponentially through its “Belt and Road” program which funds large projects in various countries. The power of money is well at play. For now, we cannot know if China has other intentions aside from what they are presently stating. Maybe they do want to develop a tourist destination as the press release states. Note that trust in China is very low among Filipinos. We may well take a second look at these projects that are only recently making the news.
The Palace is not saying much about these projects, with Salvador Panelo merely stating they will wait for the assessment of Secretary Lorenzana and the Navy with regards to national security. As if there aren’t many Chinese in the country, we may in the future actually see more. If DFA Secretary Locsin wants to cancel the visa-upon-arrival system for the Chinese, he should already do it. They have to be scrutinized like everyone else. With President Duterte visiting China this month – his fifth in three years – we may see even more projects awarded to the Chinese.