The Philippines, a Southeast Asian country with over 7,500 islands and one of the most extensive exclusive economic zones in the world, has been increasingly embroiled in a maritime dispute with China. The Philippines has challenged China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea, a body of water that is strategically and economically important to its neighboring countries. In the face of increased Chinese activities in the region, the Philippines has taken the bold step of confronting Chinese diplomats over the ongoing maritime disputes.
History of the South China Sea Disputes
The South China Sea has been contested for centuries, but the current disputes began in 1974. At that time, both China and the Philippines laid claim to parts of the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal, two South China Sea features close to their coastlines. The disputes gained international attention in 2012, when the Philippines initiated a case before an international court. This case led to a 2016 ruling that found China’s claims over the South China Sea were invalid. Despite this ruling, China continues to enforce its expansive claims in the region, raising territorial tensions with its neighbors.
Current State of the Disputes
The Philippines, which claims an estimated 200 small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, has grown increasingly frustrated with China’s continued presence in the region. In response, the Philippines has taken a more confrontational approach to the dispute.
In March 2021, the Philippines summoned Chinese diplomats to protest the presence of a Chinese survey vessel near its coastline. The same month, the Philippine Navy also confronted Chinese vessels that were allegedly fishing illegally in its exclusive economic zone. This followed other recent confrontations between the Philippines and China, including a 2020 incident in which the Philippine Navy detained more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels for operating in its maritime zone without authorization.
The Philippine government has continued to criticize China for its activities in the South China Sea. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recently stated that Chinese vessels “have no right” to be in the region, adding that his country would “not give up one inch” of its maritime territory.
Philippines’ Allies Join the Dispute
The Philippines is not alone in its standoff with China. The United States has been a vocal supporter of the Philippines in the dispute, calling China’s actions in the region destabilizing and provocative. The US has also conducted so-called freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, aimed at challenging China’s expansive claims.
The US has also been joined by other regional allies in its support for the Philippines. Australia, Japan and other Southeast Asian nations have expressed solidarity with the Philippines and have urged China to respect its neighbor’s maritime rights.
Implications of the Disputes
The ongoing maritime disputes have far-reaching implications for the stability of the region. China’s expansive claims to the South China Sea, and its consequent militarization of the region, have raised alarms among its neighbors, who fear their access to important shipping lanes could be blocked. The disputes could also inhibit economic development in the region, given that much of the South China Sea is rich in natural resources and has become increasingly important for fishing and offshore oil and gas operations.
The Philippines has taken a bold stance in its confrontation with China over the South China Sea. The country has summoned Chinese diplomats, detained Chinese fishing vessels and received international support in its efforts to protect its maritime rights. The US and other regional allies are playing an important role in the dispute, but ultimately, the future of the South China Sea lies in the hands of the Philippines and China.
