SOUTH CHINA SEA: America feels stronger about it than the Philippines Government. Shipping lanes are important…
On the 5th anniversary of the Hague decision, China is still ignoring international law. China does what it wants and lets the foreigners scramble. I’m sure it’s no surprise to analysts and military leaders.
In its historic 2016 case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the tribunal’s decision: “…between the Philippines and China, there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources.”
China basically said, Fuck you, we’ll do what we want, and its actions at sea demonstrate their commitment to flouting the ruling. They have also been working to alter the topography of reefs and rocky outcrops. Airstrips have been built, structures erected and military installations have been established on islands that do not officially belong to China.
The tribunal said that “all of the high-tide features in the Spratly Islands (including Itu Aba, Thitu, West York Island, Spratly Island, North-East Cay, South-West Cay) are legally “rocks” that do not generate an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.”
Immediately after the Philippines won the landmark case in 2016, President Duterte repeatedly vowed “never to give up the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea.”
Earlier this year Duterte called the Hague decision “a piece of paper he would throw in the wastebasket.”
He is probably right.
To prove him wrong, the US would risk war with China. Let the games continue.
Public surveys have consistently shown that Filipino people want the government to assert the ruling and defend the country’s territory. The hope is naive.