Rising Tensions in the South China Sea: The Philippines’ Struggle for Resource Exploration
The South China Sea has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly between the Philippines and China. Recently, the Philippines has accused China of hindering its efforts to explore and develop natural resources in the region. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted this issue during a talk at Chatham House in London, emphasizing how Chinese activities are obstructing Filipino companies from engaging in oil exploration and other resource development initiatives. The South China Sea is not only a vital shipping route but also believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves, making it a highly contested area.
Manalo pointed out that the Philippines’ ability to harness these resources is being compromised by China’s insistence on involvement in such activities. This has led to growing friction between Manila and Beijing, with several incidents making headlines in recent years. One such incident occurred in June 2023, when Filipino soldiers were reportedly forced to defend themselves with "bare hands" against Chinese coast guard personnel armed with swords and knives near the Second Thomas Shoal, an atoll within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Such confrontations underscore the escalating tensions in the region.
Historical Context and Legal Disputes
The South China Sea has been a point of contention for decades, with multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others, laying claim to parts of the region. China’s expansive claims are based on its "nine-dash line," a demarcation that Beijing uses to assert sovereignty over islands and adjacent waters. However, in 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China’s claims to waters within this line had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has refused to recognize.
Despite this ruling, China continues to assert its dominance in the region, often through coercive measures. The Philippines, on the other hand, has sought to uphold its rights under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Manalo emphasized that incidents such as water cannoning, laser use, and even ramming by Chinese forces have become increasingly common, directly threatening Philippine interests. These actions, he argued, not only hinder resource exploration but also undermine regional stability.
Escalating Incidents and Regional Stability
The situation in the South China Sea has grown more volatile in recent years, with the Philippines accusing China of multiple aggressive actions. In addition to the June 2023 incident, Manila has reported instances of Chinese forces firing flares at Philippine aircraft and China’s largest coastguard vessel dropping anchor in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. These incidents, Manalo stated, "hit home directly," as they challenge the Philippines’ right to operate within its own territorial waters.
The stakes are high, as any escalation in tensions could lead to a broader conflict. Manalo expressed concern that if these incidents were to worsen, regional tensions would rise dramatically. Despite these challenges, the Philippines remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully. Manalo reiterated Manila’s dedication to managing such incidents through dialogue and diplomacy, aiming to de-escalate tensions while safeguarding its sovereignty and economic interests.
The Role of the US-Philippines Alliance
Amid these rising tensions, the Philippines has sought to strengthen its alliance with the United States. The two countries are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which obliges the US to defend the Philippines in the event of a major conflict. Manalo highlighted the importance of this partnership during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference. He described the US-Philippines alliance as being "on hyperdrive," signaling a deepening cooperation under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Manalo also expressed optimism about the future of the alliance, suggesting that the Philippines may aim for an "even more enhanced level of cooperation" with the US. This alignment is not only strategic but also reflects the Philippines’ efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. The US has historically been a key player in the South China Sea, and its support for the Philippines could play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability.
The Way Forward: Balancing Sovereignty and Diplomacy
As tensions in the South China Sea continue to rise, the Philippines faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it must assert its sovereignty and protect its economic interests, including the right to explore and develop natural resources within its exclusive economic zone. On the other hand, it must navigate the complex geopolitical landscape to avoid escalating conflicts with China, a powerful and assertive neighbor.
Manalo’s remarks underscore the Philippines’ commitment to peaceful resolution and diplomacy. However, the country also recognizes the importance of strengthening its alliances, particularly with the US, to counterbalance China’s influence. Moving forward, the Philippines will need to carefully calibrate its approach, ensuring that it defends its rights without provoking unnecessary confrontation. The resolution of these issues will not only determine the fate of the South China Sea but also have far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability.
