This morning, I attended the Symposium on Philippine - China Relations (for free, thanks Asian Center) and got the chance to hear scholars both from China and the Philippines. The discussion on territorial disputes, in my view, is charged with tension but it did not lead to anything unusual. What is there to learn? For one, there are some policy suggestions on how to improve relationships with China by holding bilateral talks on non-sensitive topics and to revive the Defense Dialogue between the two countries that was held for consecutive years until it lapsed on 2008, probably because of the Beijing Olympics. I was also oriented on why the West Philippine Sea is extremely important to the Chinese. We do discuss that it remains a major trade route but when placed in the context that more than half of Chinese energy source (oil) passes through these waters, we realize how it important it is to them to control the area. Moreover, incursions of the US and the invitation of the Philippines for stronger US Military Presence in the country poses a real threat for China because even with just a rotational presence, the Middle Kingdom is within reach of US Missiles. If we are so bothered by NoKors Missile Testing, shouldnt be China alarmed of the Western Military power too? But more important for me is the role of perception and culture in the dispute. Somethings are really just lost in translation with counter measures translated as counter strikes leading to overtures from both administrations. According to Dr. Baviera, we see China as a Military Power who is bullying us but for them they see the Philippines as a source of possible humiliation because behind us is the might of the United States. To them, we are the bullies. Lastly, a question was raised: given our own values and conflict resolution schemes, are we not missing an Asian approach to territorial disputes? Overall, this is a wonderful experience for me. And it all happened within the walls of Ateneo.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Dec 2013 14:33:10 +0000
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