Domination vs. Ownership: The ongoing conflict between the Philippines and China

The Department of National Defense and Philippine Coast Guard deeply elaborated the possible outcomes and solutions for the ongoing issue with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in a press con hosted on Tuesday (December 10, 2024).

The West Philippine Sea, which is used as a “way” for trades and exchange, is now in a current argument about who truly owns it.

On December 2, 2024, it is recorded that the Filipino fishermen were again seen disturbed by the Chinese fishermen.

It is clearly stated that the issue with the West Philippine Sea has greatly affected many Filipino lives. As of now, the justice for the lives of the Filipinos is still not served. Many families are experiencing inaccessibility in terms of the things that are theirs in the first place.

In 2016, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) favored the Philippines regarding this matter. This legal basis from UNCLOS caused the country to protest and ruled with a case the same year.

Currently, the government is encouraging the younger generation in sharing awareness regarding this ongoing issue. As China continues to incorporate “militarization”, further implications leading to poverty will concern the country.

When asked about the possible solutions regarding this matter, officials from the Philippine Coast Guard stated that the government is doing its best to solve this as diplomatically as possible. Through hard training for the seafarers and coastguards, the Philippines can do its move in protecting the country’s seas.