by Cliff Potts, Editor-in-Chief, WPS.News

Exposé: Tensions in the West Philippine Sea

The West Philippine Sea is a vital waterway for the Philippines. It is full of resources and is crucial for fishing communities. However, tensions have been rising in this region, primarily due to aggressive actions by Chinese vessels. Recent reports highlight various incidents that have raised alarms.

In a series of articles, it has been documented that China has repeatedly invaded the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These incursions started earlier, with the Chinese Coast Guard harassing Philippine vessels. This behavior has escalated, leading to collisions at sea. Often, these collisions are dismissed as simple accidents. However, they have serious consequences, especially when Filipino fishermen are abandoned.

One notable incident involved the Filipino fishing boat, F/B Gem-Ver 1. A Chinese ship rammed and sank it in 2019. The 22 Filipino fishermen on board were left stranded and abandoned at sea. Thankfully, a passing Vietnamese boat rescued them. This incident ignited outrage across the Philippines. Officials condemned the actions of the Chinese vessel as cowardly, highlighting the dangers Filipino fishermen face.

In light of Michael Walzer’s ideas on just and unjust wars, we must consider the morality behind these naval confrontations. He suggests that war can be justified under certain conditions, such as the need to protect the innocent. When the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen are put at risk, the Philippines must take a stand. As philosopher E. Engle noted in Military Strategies to Win Wars, deterrence is crucial. The goal is to prevent wars before they start.

One proposed solution is the Stealth Runner concept. This project aims to increase the presence of patrol boats in the West Philippine Sea. By having many agile power boats on patrol, the Philippines can discourage further aggression from China. If there are more Philippine boats in the water, it becomes too costly for China to continue its aggressive tactics.

Despite the presence of military strategies and plans, the Chinese government seems not to have received this message. Their activities continue to threaten Philippine sovereignty. The situation remains tense as the Philippines grapples with how best to protect its maritime rights. The need for a robust and proactive approach is clear. The safety of fishermen and the protection of national waters are at stake. The Philippines must act decisively to ensure that its rights are respected and that its waters remain safe for its people.

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