As Filipinos, we cannot help but feel a deep sense of frustration and helplessness whenever we hear about Chinese warships harassing our fishermen and the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea. This is not just a matter of territorial dispute; it’s an act of blatant bullying. The Chinese government knows full well that the Philippines, with its limited military capabilities, is no match for its massive naval forces. And yet, they persist in these aggressive actions, seemingly without fear of repercussions. It’s as if they’re taking advantage of our vulnerability, knowing that we lack the means to defend our waters effectively.
But there is a stark contrast in how China behaves towards other countries with which it also has disputes. Take Japan, for instance. Despite their ongoing conflict over the Senkaku Islands, China treads carefully. They know that Japan has a formidable military and strong alliances with powerful nations like the United States. Similarly, China’s approach to India, Australia, and Taiwan is cautious, even though tensions run high. These countries can push back, and China knows better than to provoke them in the same way they do with us.
This uneven treatment feels like a slap in the face. It’s a harsh reminder of the reality that in international relations, might often make right. I can’t help but feel angry when I see our fishermen, who are simply trying to make a living, being harassed and driven away from waters that are rightfully ours. The fact that these incidents continue to happen despite diplomatic protests and international attention only adds to our sense of powerlessness.
How can we protect our people and our sovereignty when the bully on the block is so much bigger and stronger?
But it’s not just about military might. What I find particularly infuriating is the arrogance and disregard for international law that China exhibits in these encounters. The Philippines won a historic legal victory in 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in our favor, invalidating China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea. Yet, China has refused to acknowledge this ruling, continuing to assert its dominance through sheer force. It’s a brazen display of power that undermines the very principles of international law and order.
We also have that deep sense of disappointment in the international community’s response to our plight. While some nations have voiced support for the Philippines and condemned China’s actions, it often feels like these words are not backed by sufficient action. I understand that geopolitics is complex and that countries must consider their interests, but it’s disheartening to see that our struggle is sometimes met with indifference or half-hearted support. We are not just a small, insignificant nation; we are a sovereign state with rights that deserve to be respected and defended.
There’s also a personal element to this issue for me. I’ve grown up hearing stories of the West Philippine Sea’s rich fishing grounds and the importance of these waters to our local communities. To see our fishermen now being driven away, their livelihoods threatened by foreign ships feels like a personal loss. These are our waters, our resources, and yet we are being pushed out, unable to stand our ground. It’s a painful reminder of the limitations of our power and the vulnerability that comes with being a smaller nation in a world dominated by larger powers.
Despite these feelings of frustration and helplessness, I still believe that we must continue to assert our rights. We may not have the military strength to match China, but we have other tools at our disposal—diplomacy, international alliances, and the moral high ground. We must continue to stand up to this bullying, not just for ourselves but to send a message that might not make right. We must work with our allies, strengthen our defenses, and continue to push for international law to be respected.
In the end, I believe that our resilience will be our greatest asset. We may be a small nation, but we are not without strength. Our history is filled with stories of resistance and perseverance, and I have faith that we can weather this storm as well. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but as long as we continue to stand firm, I believe we can protect our sovereignty and secure a future where our people can live and work in peace, free from the shadow of foreign aggression.
