A big difference
It is not surprising that DFA Secretary Cayetano would downplay the massing of Chinese ships near Pag-asa Island. Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano recently divulged that Chinese ships have been spotted near Pag-asa Island, which we control and inhabit. The ships include a coast guard vessel, two frigates, and two large fishing vessels along with their maritime militia. Obviously, he did not want to say anything that would anger the powerful country. He himself said that he did not want to include several sensitive issues like land reclamations and militarization included in the official statement from ASEAN to avoid offending China. According to Cayetano, there is nothing wrong or alarming about Chinese ships near Pag-asa, if innocent passage and freedom of navigation is all that is being done. America also passes through the region with even larger naval ships but being allies, nobody complains or raises alarms. He adds that the country must stop looking at China as an enemy especially with better relations now forged between the two countries as a result of this administration's efforts. I beg to disagree.
America has no claims in the region like China. They are free to navigate the seas by virtue of international law. Yes, we are allies with the US, and have been for a long time, hopefully for even a much longer time. The same is true when they fly over the region, in international airspace. They do not inform other vessels and aircraft to turn around because they are entering sovereign waters or airspace. They do not threaten aircraft or vessels because of the same. Since China claims more than ninety percent of the region's seas and airspace, they see it fit to warn ships and planes, asking then to turn around from their territory. That's a big difference. If the relations between the two countries are really good, why is there a need for the Chinese to warn, repel, and even threaten vessels and aircraft of all countries supposedly entering their sovereign waters and airspace?
No less than President Duterte was warned by Chinese President Xi Jinping that war would ensue if the country would insist on drilling for oil and gas. Now, talks between China and the Philippines for a joint exploration of oil and gas are being done, keeping in mind what the Constitution allows or disallows. Recently, the Palace said that a joint exploration in the disputed West Philippine Sea is open to all countries, not just China. Really? China will stand by if ever another country gets into a joint exploration agreement with the Philippines? I believe that was what Vietnam was doing by partnering with a Spanish company, before it had to cease operations because of stern warnings from the Chinese. The Palace better be prepared for a reaction from China, if it is really saying that the joint exploration is open to all. I'm sure Sec. Cayetano is already preparing a statement that would, not surprisingly, appease the Chinese.
‘Since China claims more than ninety percent of the region's seas and airspace, they see it fit to warn ships and planes, asking then to turn around from their territory.
That's a big difference.’