Pointless?

Any talks between the Philippines and China regarding sovereignty and fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) seem pointless. Our fishermen recently complained that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) drove them away again in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. Some personnel even came down from the CCG ship to harass and order the fishermen to throw back their caught shells into the sea. The shells they caught were for them to eat but since they didn't understand each other they couldn't do anything but comply. The entire incident was captured on video.

During the previous administration, our fishermen were allowed to go to Scarborough Shoal but were not allowed to enter the lagoon. Now, even our catch is subject to their orders. They make it clear they are the only ones who can extract anything from the ocean. They have harvested giant clams unabated. They don't care about the ecological effects as long as they take what they want.

We did win at the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration which refuted their Nine-Dash or TenDash Line, but the United Nations was powerless to implement it. China ignores what the international law has made clear. Any protest we send to them is laughed at. The actions of their powerful coast guard and military overrule any decision. Many have lamented how pointless the country’s victory is. Even the former president called the victory a piece of garbage.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stated that they cannot guard the country’s waters due to lack of equipment and personnel. He also admitted that he has no confidence Beijing will seriously implement any agreement regarding the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. It was fortunate that supplies were recently delivered to the BRP Sierra Madre by airdrop instead of by boat. The ship usually chartered by the Philippine Navy to deliver supplies was unavailable. These supply runs are of great importance to our soldiers stationed in Ayungin Shoal.

With what is happening in the West Philippine Sea, it is clear China can no longer be considered a friend. China is a bully. I don’t think any talks or agreements between the Philippines and China will be honored by the latter. Our fishermen are always at a disadvantage. We have an exclusive economic zone that is far from being exclusive. There should be a way for the UN to implement its ruling. Otherwise, what’s the point?