Challenge China ‘expansionism’ over disputed islands, Duterte told

In this April 29, 2016, file photo, presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte answers questions from the media in Manila, Philippines. AP File Photo

The administration of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte must continue to challenge the “expansionism” of China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), a think tank has said.

The ADR Institute for International Studies (ADRi) said the pending arbitration case on China’s claims over our disputed islands should be “a major policy decision that the next President must address.”

READ: Global protest set at UN against China ‘expansionism’

“While Asia recognizes that China has long been an important force for economic prosperity and security in the region, there is resistance when Beijing becomes overzealous in asserting this dominance,” said ADRi President Dindo Manhit in a statement released Tuesday.

Ernie Bower, chairman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Southeast Asian Studies, said countries in the Asian region expect China to participate in “regional rule-making.”

“What China’s Asian neighbors want is a China that feels secure, is prosperous economically, and actively participates in regional rule-making,” said Bower.

However, he said countries in the Asia fear that China may feel the need “to change the rules around security and economic norms” in the said region.

READ: Expert unmasks China strategy of ‘creeping expansion’

“China will be an influential and positive force for economic prosperity, regional security, and peace if it takes time to listen to its neighbors and partners. That is an outcome the rest of the world has a great interest in promoting” said Bower.

While we continue to assert our territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea, Manhit said the government must commit to a “development diplomacy.”

Manhit said “it is possible to challenge China’s expansionism while conducting the routine mandates of the foreign service, like helping our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), as well as pursuing economic security by promoting trade and investment.”

Manhit said the Philippine Foreign Service should be recalibrated to include political and economic reporting, trade promotion, and negotiation and pushing for the passage of the National Security Act. RAM

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