QUEZON CITY — A Philippine maritime expert emphasized the importance of demonstrating allied support in defending the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against China’s aggressive actions in the region. Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, cautioned that China’s harassment would persist until the Philippines visibly aligns with its allies to deter these incursions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines alone cannot thwart China’s assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea, which includes the WPS. He stressed the strategic necessity of showing not just the country’s resolve but also the backing it has from international partners. Batongbacal advised that while invoking alliances should be a measure of last resort, it is crucial for the Philippines to continue asserting its sovereignty and conducting regular patrols in the area to maintain presence and rights.
China’s recent focus on making Escoda Shoal a new flashpoint in the maritime conflict is seen as a tactic to distract and exert pressure on the Philippines. Batongbacal highlighted that Beijing’s ultimate goal is to dominate the entire South China Sea, including the WPS, necessitating constant Chinese military and law enforcement visibility in these waters.
The ongoing tensions have led Manila to consider international legal action following recent confrontations between the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard near Escoda Shoal. Batongbacal underscored that the broader strategy should not be overshadowed by incidents at specific locations like Scarborough and Ayungin Shoals, urging a focus on the overarching scope of China’s ambitions and tactics in the region.