ONGOING DISPUTES in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) urgently require the Philippine government to bolster its stance and strengthen its defenses. Enhancing our defensive capabilities is vital not only for protecting our sovereignty but also for securing the livelihoods of Filipinos who depend on these strategic waters.
To diplomatically manage maritime disputes regarding the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed last January 2023 on establishing direct communication channels between the two countries. However, tension has only worsened to more violent provocations between the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard (CCG) in recent months.
The dispute greatly intensified last June 17, when at least eight Philippine soldiers were injured in an aggressive encounter with the CCG at Ayungin Shoal. As a result, foreign governments from the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom expressed their grave concern and condemnation of China’s actions.
Despite foreign countries calling out China’s unruly behavior, the Philippines maintained its pursuit of a “peaceful resolution in accordance with international laws.” Following this, the two countries came to an agreement on July 2 for the regular rotation and resupplying of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
While commendable, this agreement fails to take into account other territorially contested areas recognized within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (PEEZ), such as Scarborough Shoal and the northeastern section of Spratly Islands, leaving them more prone to maritime incidents.
With several lives and livelihoods on the line, the current diplomatic efforts and defensive measures by the Philippine government prove to be insufficient in meeting the needs of the Filipinos.
Tides of trade
Following the July 2 agreement, the Philippines and China set up emergency hotlines and Coast Guard channels for incidents concerning the South China Sea. However, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio immediately expressed his doubts, asserting that Filipinos “should not expect miracles” in improving ties with China given their unresponsiveness to previous incidents.
With this coordination, the Philippines has definitely made a significant step forward in upholding diplomacy despite continuous contention over the West Philippine Sea. Nonetheless, this development is minuscule compared to the increasing number of reported incidents during maritime missions.
As much as the West Philippine Sea dispute is a matter of maintaining diplomacy for the Philippine government, the state must also consider the economic impact of their decisions on the livelihoods of fishing communities.
According to the data from Sea Around Us’ Annual Fish Catch, fish stocks have been declining from as much as 66% to 75% for the past two decades. This is due to activities such as dredging and the construction of artificial islands that destroy crucial coral reefs.
While the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has implemented programs like LAYAG-WPS to support affected communities, these efforts alone are not enough to fully mitigate the complex issues at hand.
Rough voyage
With persisting threats and assaults from Chinese naval forces, the WPS dispute necessitates addressing not only the economic implications; it also requires the reevaluation of the Philippines’ maritime security strategies.
Instead of training its own sailors, the Philippines has opted to collaborate with the United States (US) to strengthen its defense in case of attacks in the West Philippine Sea. Through the enhanced 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the Philippines and the US have conducted multiple joint maritime security training operations. Additionally, the Philippines has also held a few naval operations with Japan and Australia.
Although collaborating with the US may have been a precautionary defense measure should the disputes escalate to more violent attacks, the agreement has resulted in China urging the US not to interfere with matters related to the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.
This situation underscores the need for the Philippines to develop a more balanced and self-sufficient maritime security strategy that addresses the complexities of the WPS disputes instead of simply relying on alliances. These should involve navigating the balance of power in the region, the economic repercussions of strained relations with major trade partners, and the need to protect our territorial integrity while avoiding unnecessary escalations.
Shifting gears
The current approach, which has largely been reactive, has proven insufficient in countering the escalating assertiveness of Chinese forces in the region.
Despite diplomatic strategies made toward maritime security, there have been no concrete efforts toward defending national sovereignty and asserting the Philippines’ rightful claim over the West Philippine Sea—apart from the Maritime Zones Bill, which has yet to be passed into law.
The current situation clearly reflects a need to shift toward a more proactive stance—one that not only defends sovereignty but also emphasizes the protection of economic interests, particularly the livelihoods of local fishing communities. To achieve this, the Philippines can modernize the nation’s equipment to enhance naval capabilities and improve maritime surveillance technologies.
Also crucial to the country’s diplomatic insistence is to leverage the alliances with other neighboring nations and utilize international legal mechanisms to assert the country’s maritime rights. Furthermore, integrating economic considerations into maritime security strategies is essential in the defense of the WPS, which should also be viewed as a vital economic imperative.
The stakes are far too high for half measures and reactive policies. As the pressure from external forces intensifies, so must our resolve not only to defend our territorial rights but also to ensure the economic well-being that sustains our nation. The future of our country demands nothing less than unwavering commitment and decisive action.
