By Farah G. Decano

 

A READER of my column observed that my topics have been varied – from political issues, scientific updates, philosophical musings, sociological developments, matters of the heart, and marites concerns.   I acknowledge his opinion to be accurate. I selected Andromeda’s Vortex as this space’s title because I intended this to be a voyage to the unpredictable.

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In less than three months, the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier returned to the Philippines last October.  This was perceived as the United States’ way of keeping China’s aggression towards our country at bay after the infamous collision of both countries’ vessels at the much-disputed West Philippine Sea.  The representative from the US Embassy in Manila announced that the carrier was here for mere military exercises. He emphasized that the US is allied with the Philippines and laughed off Chinese suspicion that the move was provoking more tension in the contested area.

The Philippines is strategically located near navigable choke points between China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.  Those who trade with our country and those nearby must ensure that the waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are free of dominion by any country.  The legal victory of the Philippines against China in 2016 was shared by many nations.  To them, our triumph meant their continuing freedom of navigation and overflight of all countries over our EEZ.  They do not see China as being as liberal as the Philippines.    

It is not unknown that the communist government of China intends to recover the recalcitrant Taiwan within it folds.  The Philippines is a threat to this undeclared plan because it hosts several military bases of the United States. Interestingly, most of these bases are tactically located near China and Taiwan.  China, however, cannot be certain of these US actions because the latter observes the doctrine of strategic ambiguity as regards its relations with Taiwan. 

China wasted its opportunity to warm its way and win Filipino hearts during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte.  He openly expressed his repulsion against the United States for the latter’s atrocities during its occupation of the Philippines and courted China and Russia for better friendly relations.  China could have seen this as an opening to neutralize the Philippines’ alliance with the United States by proving it was a good neighbor.

But what did China do during this time instead?

With our borders relaxed in favor of China, the latter sent its unruly citizens to work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) which caused tension among Filipinos.  There were several complaints about mainland Chinese being disrespectful and haughty in dealing with locals and being unhygienic in the use of condominiums, public spaces, and public vehicles.  Crimes with links to the new dwellers also increased.  They were seen with much repugnance that even Filipino-Chinese residents distanced and distinguished themselves from the mainland transplants.  Worse, China became increasingly aggressive against Filipino fishermen innocently exercising their right to fish in our waters.  Worst, the Asian power allegedly expanded its offensive capability on the disputed Spratly Islands.

Probably with a timetable to follow, China did not want to waste time courting the approval of Filipinos.  It shoved its way in our country with the seeming assistance of no less than President Duterte.

How did President Rodrigo Duterte pacify the growing outrage and pushback of the Filipinos against these Chinese incursions?   With fear.  Trolls associated with him extolled the Chinese army as far more superior to ours. President Duterte himself proclaimed that our country will not win war against China. 

Filipino intelligentsia were all the more appalled with the presidential pre-judgement.  Did President Duterte conveniently forget that our 1987 Constitution renounces war as foreign policy?  He was expected to assert our sovereign rights in our maritime zones through constitutional means.  Why did he conclude that the Filipinos wanted war?  

With its perceived consistent threats and acts of aggression, China pushed the Philippines to forge stronger alliance with the United States.  For its failed strategy, China has no one to blame now but itself.

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