Name: Perry Kyle E.

Delfino Date: April 7, 2024

Course/Year: BSED – ENG III

Escalating Tensions in West Philippine Sea: China's Water Cannon Damages Philippine
Resupply Vessel. Is this China's approach and tactics to assert their dominance? And could
it potentially start a war?
The on-going tension and disagreement between China and Philippines in the West Philippine
Sea remains crucial as it implies to an urgent need for diplomatic solutions to avoid further conflict and
promote global peace. Despite previous attempts of arbitration between the two countries, the issue
remains unresolved, focuses on the complexities of competing territorial claims and geopolitical interests
even though Philippines won the arbitration case after a 3-year process in the Permanent Court of
Arbitration back in July 12. 2016. It is crucial for all countries involved in the tension to exercise restraint
harassment and prioritize peaceful negotiations based on international law, particularly the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Communication and cooperation between
countries are essential to come up with acceptable resolutions that maintain the principles of a rules-based
order and protect the interests and rights of all citizens in the country.

Numerous incidents take place in the West Philippine Sea, including the harassment of China to
Filipino fishermen within the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the most recent
harassment is the water cannon incident on Philippine Resupply Vessel that several Filipino crews are
injured and wounded. These actions have raised concerns about maritime security, freedom of navigation,
and environmental damage to coral reefs.

The Philippine Coast Guard says it remains “committed to upholding international law,
safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisher folk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its
territorial waters.”

“These recent incidents in the past year show that China has become increasingly aggressive and
confident in its actions against smaller countries like the Philippines. They’re beginning to cross certain
lines,” said Jay Batongbacal, a maritime expert at the University of the Philippines. But, why does China
afraid of forcing their way into the Philippines even though they rank 2 nd in the most powerful country in
the world? It is because we have a strong relationship with United States of America.

In particular, China has refrained from employing either People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)
vessels or military forces due to the concerns about potential escalation, and especially about the possible
U.S. intervention in helping the Philippines.

According to U.S Department of State, “U.S.-Philippine relations are based on strong historical
and cultural linkages and shared democratic values. The 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty
provides a strong foundation for our robust security partnership. Vibrant people-to-people ties and strong
economic cooperation provide meaningful ways to engage on a range of bilateral, regional, and global
issues.”
 Recent reports of Chinese vessels navigating in disputed waters near the Philippines. The
presence of these vessels, described by the Philippine government as "maritime militia," has raised alarm
bells not just in Manila but also among neighbouring countries and the international community.

Hence, it is crucial for all countries to communicate and take action for solving the problem and
maintain a strong relationship globally. Communication and negotiation must be prioritized to peacefully
resolve disputes in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. The Philippines and China,
along with other stakeholders, must show political will and engage in sincere efforts to find a resolution
that ensures the security and prosperity of all nations in the region.

In the brink of the tension on the waters of the West Philippine Sea, one must consider: Are we
destined to repeat history's mistakes, allowing disputes to escalate into conflict, or can we figure a new
course through diplomacy and cooperation, ensuring a future of peace and prosperity for all nations
involved?
Link of the News of the Editorial

1. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/29/asia/south-china-sea-tensions-philippines-china-us-explainer-intl-
hnk/index.html?
fbclid=IwAR0hEcWzY1A_clcehOVW2hKTf468oZLfan4aRrF6ogNf3bS4CiVVQPHeIcQ_aem_AeF_MlIwh
W0FHRylXUZq2QgFek2ZUgEsNE0MsaDlBORwVv2YEuN8WVAWX1dFUPTOtn-
ZKJHg9MjqeKiIrkKZsSPD

2. https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-the-philippines/?fbclid=IwAR0fLmLV39qe2D68N3sH1rkj-
bUc0cp2J3RRE6MThEDpiRs06l_6LQq_PLs_aem_AeHU3jggTpb9MiWr0qRM5DigJsjD48NdQ4x9lHWh
M1BKrYh6OUwwdc4KzefDUhg1czsUtPk5LRhnt_q8EH0YITf3

3. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/07/asia/china-philippines-coast-guard-confrontation-south-china-sea-
intlhnk/index.html?
fbclid=IwAR2JWh93NuURO_HAe29eo7LcPj5CABMA5pLKKvy6hGu0HKEYsbPCK8GZEMs_aem_AeF
VlyNqgzvMNXn9G9h8cFFMsQz5o3qSxQruy7QchRKugNqKayemUlTCSgtHGrfP3wsGGEPQJhko0Wixl
RZ7LxS

4. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66668658