Reaction Paper

Topic: Territorial dispute between China and the Philippines over West Philippine Sea

1. Introduction

Territorial disputes have been in the spotlight for many years and have been causing an unending

turbulence between the countries involved. The Philippines-China relations have been influenced by

territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea when the naval standoff occurred over the Scarborough

Shoal way back in 2012. This event has further uncovered issues of Chinese illegal occupation, unlawful

establishment of infrastructures, and incidents of incursions and encroachment within the Philippine’s

exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to Dr. Dennis Kapyata, “With a large amount of scarce

natural resources and maritime species deep in the ocean, the South China Sea disputes are undoubtedly

the key issues attracting attention

Globally.”

2. Body

While some borders are considered peaceful, like the United States and Canada, other places have

conflicts caused by disputes over countries, people, and natural resources within their territory.

Noteworthy as of today is the Israel-Palestine conflict which is a source of insecurity for the Middle East

and for the world at large due to its inhumane military actions. These conflicts reveal how war can still

happen in modern times and cause countless deaths, starvation and abuse to people in the affected

countries which is indeed regretful for humankind.

It is important for the Philippines and China to avoid bilateral issues as this may affect their

bilateral trade, tourism promotion and public opinion. Efforts were made for bilateral ties, which

unfortunately slumped when the Philippine government filed an arbitration case against China under the

UNCLOS in 2013, challenging China’s legality on their claim over the contested waters. I believe it is
only right to take things into legal actions for, if not, this may further cause harm to local fishermen and

ships which were reported to be attacked within the waters when they have every right to fish on these

waters.

China has been drawing headlines as they continue to take aggressive actions within the waters of

the West Philippine Sea. Just last month, on February 13 - 14, 2024, The Philippines accused China’s

coastguard of directing a “military-grade laser” at its troops living aboard an aging warship that was

deliberately grounded on the disputed Shoal in 1999 by Manila. It is not surprising that Manila is pivoting

towards a country with more military capacity like the US which supports the Philippines against China.

3. Conclusion

In conclusion, disputes still occur in modern times. Although military efforts like that occurring

in Israel and Palestine are not happening yet between the Philippines and China, it may happen someday.

And if that someday comes, will the Philippines be ready? Is it safe to rely on a country like the U.S.? If

so, at what expense?

References:

1. Journal, I. J. L. H. S. S. (2020). FOREIGN STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY CHINA TOWARDS

PHILIPPINES ON DISPUTE OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. International Journal of Law,

Humanities & Social Science, 4(4), 01–10.

2. Ray, M. (n.d.). 7 Deadliest Weapons in History. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/list/7-deadliest-weapons-in-history

3. https://fsi.gov.ph/philippines-china-relations-beyond-the-territoral-disputes/#

4. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rift-deepens-between-philippines-china-over-south-ch

ina-sea-2023-12-21/