We can beat China’s ‘octopussy’ diplomacy

By: 10 years ago

China Coast Guard AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Are we ready to rumble the Chinese over the Spratly Islands in the Philippine Sea?

Akbayan Representative and INQUIRER.net columnist Walden Bello thinks we can.

In his column, Bello said the Philippines is not entirely powerless.

He suggested that the Philippines use the “weapons of the weak.”

How can it be done? He proposed the following:

1) The Philippines must press its legal advantage. The submission of the thick “memorial” strengthening the country’s claim in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal is a giant step in this direction.

2) The government must step up the diplomatic ante. President Benigno Aquino III must summon Ambassador Zhao Jianhua to Malacañang and tell her in no uncertain terms that our country will tolerate no further aggressive moves.

3) The Philippines must not neglect the military side of things, though we should tread carefully here since this is where Beijing is strong. But we are not entirely powerless. China’s maritime surveillance ships may be big but they cannot operate in shallow waters owing to their deep drafts.

4) We must also reinforce the garrison at Ayungin. Bringing up the troop complement to platoon size would be a strong message to the world that we mean business and will defend Ayungin from all trespassers.

5) Finally, we must accelerate the development of Pag-asa Island, the strategic center of the Kalayaan Island group of seven reefs and two islands that belong to us. A larger civilian population is the key to permanent possession of Kalayaan.

For details, read Bello’s column.