A Sports Fest in the WPS

On December 2, 2024, Filipino fishermen were once again reported to have been exploited by the Chinese Navy during their sail in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In line with this issue, PH Coast Guard Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio together with National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro hosted on Tuesday, December 10, a press conference to discuss the importance of the country’s sovereignty over islands and the legal jurisdictions about such territorial disputes.

As stated by Admiral Cornelio, the West Philippine Sea is known for its marine ecosystem and rich oil and gas deposits, making it a common subject to territorialism among the neighboring nations. But among these countries, the Chinese government is the most persistent and pervasive one to claim ownership over the region, even going as far as chasing boats and using water cannons towards Filipinos in the area. This tug-of-war between the Philippines and China has been going on since after the Second World War and has been a topic in international courts since 2013. Despite the favors given by the Arbitral Ruling of 2016 and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea towards the Philippines, it seems like it is far from enough to stop the activities of China. There are laws to talk about, but are there people to walk it out?

When asked about the significance of the WPS, Sec. Teodoro commented that its importance lies in different areas that constitute the Philippines including the livelihood of the people, trade policies, and peace between nations. He also lamented that the Philippine government has been improving sea vessels, training the military, and discussing diplomatic solutions with China. With these movements, there should have been at least a decrease in the number of reported cases about exploited fishermen. But, apparently, the Philippine's approach on this issue is not effective and convincing enough to scare off a republic led by Xi Jinping. 

There are laws and conventions backing the Philippines, there are legal bases regulated by international committees, and there are actions led by the local and national government. The only thing left is to ask whether these efforts work as a direct solution or as a temporary escape from territorial exploitation. The only way out of this game is to change the play and rethink the strategy, the effort is acknowledged but its effects cannot be credited for a fact.