Google trend - Philippines China South China Sea

The Philippines and China have long been engaged in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea. This maritime region, which is rich in natural resources and strategic importance, is claimed by several countries including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The dispute primarily revolves around the ownership of the Spratly Islands, a group of small islands, reefs, and atolls in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' claim over the South China Sea is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants countries exclusive economic zones (EEZs) extending 200 nautical miles from their coastlines. The Philippines argues that the Spratly Islands fall within its EEZ, thus giving it the right to exploit the resources in the area. China, on the other hand, claims historical rights over the South China Sea based on its "nine-dash line" map, which encompasses nearly the entire sea.

Tensions between the Philippines and China escalated in recent years due to China's aggressive actions in the disputed waters. China has built artificial islands, militarized existing features, and established military outposts in the South China Sea. These actions have raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community, as they challenge the freedom of navigation and undermine the stability of the region.

The Philippines has sought to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means, taking its case to international arbitration. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China's claims based on the nine-dash line map have no legal basis. The tribunal also ruled that China's construction activities in the South China Sea violated international law. However, China rejected the ruling and refused to participate in the arbitration proceedings, asserting that the tribunal had no jurisdiction over the matter.

Despite the ruling, the Philippines has pursued a more conciliatory approach towards China, opting for bilateral negotiations and cooperation rather than confrontation. This shift in policy can be attributed to several factors, including the Philippines' desire for economic benefits from Chinese investments and loans, as well as its need for regional stability and security.

In recent years, the Philippines and China have engaged in joint development projects in the South China Sea, particularly in areas where their claims overlap. These projects aim to explore and exploit the natural resources in a manner that is mutually beneficial for both countries. While some view this as a pragmatic approach to manage the dispute, others criticize it as a compromise of the Philippines' sovereignty and a capitulation to China's assertiveness.

The Philippines' stance on the South China Sea dispute has also been influenced by its alliance with the United States. The Philippines and the US have a mutual defense treaty, which means that an armed attack on either country in the Pacific would be considered an attack on the other. The US has expressed its support for the Philippines' position in the South China Sea dispute and has conducted freedom of navigation operations to challenge China's excessive maritime claims. This alliance provides the Philippines with a certain level of security and leverage in dealing with China.

In conclusion, the South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China is a complex and contentious issue with far-reaching implications. The Philippines has sought to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means, but China's assertiveness and refusal to abide by international rulings have hindered progress. The Philippines' approach has shifted towards cooperation and joint development projects with China, but this has sparked criticism and concerns about the country's sovereignty. The dispute also has regional and global implications, as it involves other claimant countries and affects the freedom of navigation in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.