Make a comprehensive but brief expository essay on the West Philippine Sea territorial disputes using

guide questions below:

1. What are the historical underpinnings of the West Philippine Sea disputes? How and why are
they relevant today? Consider major energy discoveries, armed clashes, treaties and
resolutions and military agreements. What is at stake for the countries involved in such
disputes (China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei)?
The West Philippine Sea disputes had been going around since 2011 when President
Benigno Aquino III coined the term “West Philippine Sea” as a gesture to deny China’s claims
over the Whole China Sea when in fact, the southern region of it is the Philippines’ Exclusive
Economic Zone. These waters in the South China Sea is the habitat of unimaginable number of
marine species and resources. The vast oil reserves beneath the surface is also a historical basis
for the dispute of the territory since many countries are eager to get their hands on these goods.
The Philippines now has territorial rights and authority over natural resources in its EEZ under
the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which is final and legally binding protecting the marine life
from exploitation. In turn, this rich biodiversity that resides in West Philippine Sea is a big loss to
countries involved in these disputes.

2. How have Beijing policies regarding its territorial claims in the South China Seas shaped the
regional efforts to settle the disputes?
Beijing, China have been harassing Philippine fishermen who make a living in the West
Philippine Sea and have been known to exploit Philippine fisheries and establishing offshore
energy developments in the area because of their unilateral claims over the sea. Due to this
negligence of the law, the United States reject any maritime claims of the People’s Republic of
China within the Philippine’s EEZ and prohibits the unlawful exploitation of its aquatic resources.
Finally, the Arbitral Tribunal Award was given to the Philippines on 2016 to give the country
rights over its natural resources.

3. What would the ramifications be for the United States if armed conflict broke out in the
region? Should the United States under the Biden Administration become more involved, less
involved, or maintain its current level of involvement in the disputed maritime territories in
Asia?
The United States have been standing alongside the Philippines in maintaining the rich
biodiversity of marine species in the West Philippine Sea, maintaining the livelihood of Filipino
fishermen and protection against threats from other countries. If so, ever an armed conflict
arises in the region, the United States is in great threat as well. This could create casualties in
their manpower and ongoing researches in the area. However, considering their power and
influence in terms of marine forces in the world, it is not a problem if they would be more
involved or if they maintain their current involvement in the disputed maritime territories.
Needless to say that their motives for protecting the West Philippine Sea sits well as to how
much they want to protect this region.
4. What role have international and regional organizations like the UN and ASEAN played in
easing regional tensions surrounding the South China Sea disputes? What kind of power do
these organizations have in resolving regional disputes? Based on your analysis, what do you
think their roles should be going forward?
The United Nations and Association of Southeast Asian Nations are big organizations
concerned on the economic opportunities along with intergovernmental cooperation of its
member countries. In line with this, any display of concern from these huge corporations can
influence the decision of the governing body upon a certain international issue. With regards to
the dispute on the West Philippine Sea, ASEAN voiced out their concern with China’s breach of
trust, ruining the confidence and increasing the tension over the region leading to the disruption
of the long-preserved peace, security and stability over the area. Many countries took part in
preserving this peace only for one nation to disrupt. The power and influence that ASEAN and
UN hold helped resolve these disputes for good. For the world to advance further in peace and
stability, establishing healthy relations, bridging the gaps, creating constant resolutions and
treaties made for the common good should be the withstanding roles of these organizations.