THE PHL & THE RISE OF CHINA
[PHOTO - Yang Jiechi Minister of Foreign
Affairs said: China's diplomacy faces new opportunities and
challenges and the task we shoulder is more than ever daunting. We will keep
pace with the changing times, embrace an enterprising spirit and follow the
Scientific Outlook on Development in conducting diplomacy. We will adhere to an
independent foreign policy of peace, stay committed to the path of peaceful
development and a win-win strategy of opening-up, develop foreign relations in
an all-round way, and make new contribution to the effort of building a
moderately prosperous society in all respects and a harmonious world of durable
peace and common prosperity.]
MANILA,
FEBRUARY 2, 2012 (STAR)
COMMENTARY - By Rommel Banlaoi - WHEN Craig Whitlock published an article in
Washington Post on January 26 to discuss the idea of an "increased U.S. military
presence" in the Philippines in "reaction to China's rise", many readers
instantly took him out of context.
In China, the Global Times overreacted by running an editorial on January 27
that urged the Chinese government to "respond" by using economic sanctions
against the Philippines to "make the Philippines pay for balancing act."
The China Daily, on the other hand, published the article of Cui Haipei on
January 30 stating that the Philippines is "sending a wrong signal" to China by
allowing more U.S. troops on Philippine soil.
[PHOTO - The US continues to conduct joint military exercises with the
Philippines]
Though both the Global Times and the China Daily are state-run, they,
however, do not represent the official position of the Chinese government.
In fact, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is more constructive and
circumspect in its official reaction when it asks the Philippines and the U.S.
to "make more effort towards peace and stability in the region." The Philippine
Department of Foreign Affairs even underscores that while the Philippines is
strengthening its security alliance with the U.S., the Philippines is also
deepening its friendly exchanges with China "to promote the comprehensive
development of bilateral relations, such as in the areas of energy, science and
technology, disaster mitigation, law enforcement, and maritime cooperation,
among others."
But by allowing these two newspapers to run strongly worded opinion pieces on
matters affecting China's foreign and security policy, they also convey messages
to the whole world that these ideas are also in the minds of some nationalistic
analysts and hard-line officials. Otherwise, these pieces would not find spaces
in Chinese dailies. Serious problems arise if government allows strong
nationalism and hard-line thoughts to enter the sensitive domain of official
policy.
Amidst talks of an increased U.S. military presence in the
Philippines, Admiral Robert Willard (photo) of the U.S. Pacific Command
exclaims, "We would welcome discussions with the Philippines along those lines
but there's no aspirations for bases in Southeast Asia."
Talks of an increased U.S. military presence in the Philippines are, in fact,
products of the Second Bilateral Strategic Dialogue between the Philippines and
the U.S. held on January 26-27, 2012 in Washington, DC. In this dialogue, both
countries have reiterated their commitments to "invigorate" and "expand" their
security alliance and make their alliance" capable of addressing 21st century
challenges."
Though the Philippines and the U.S. do not mention China as a security
challenge in the Joint Statement signed by both countries on January 27, there
is no doubt that the rise of China has become a security challenge in the 21st
century. Strengthening Philippine security alliance with the U.S. is one of the
coping mechanisms to meet the China challenge.
There is a need, however, for the Philippines and the U.S. to exert more
efforts to clarify the issue of an "increased U.S. military presence". Without a
clarification of this controversial issue, some observers in China will view it
in the context of "containment". Some observers in the Philippines will view it,
on the other hand, as an aggravation of American predominance in Philippine
foreign, defense and security policy.
FROM THE BBC.UK
Philippines seeks to strengthen US defence ties
[PHOTO - PHILIPPINES-US-SPECIAL FORCES TRAINING IN THE
PHILIPPINES]
The US continues to conduct joint military exercises with the Philippines
Continue reading the main story Related Stories Manila complains over China
ships South China Sea tensions rattle China's neighbours
The Philippines has confirmed that it is discussing ways to "maximise"
defence ties with the US amid territorial disputes in the region.
In a statement, the foreign affairs secretary cited the need for more joint
military exercises to protect national interests.
The statement was in response to a Washington Post story alleging a possible
return of US bases.
Analysts say the move is an attempt to contain the influence of China.
The Philippines accused China last year of intimidation in the disputed
waters of the South China Sea, which is home to valuable shipping lanes and
which may also hold deposits of fossil fuels.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, however, did not address the
issue of China in his statement.
"It is to our definite advantage to be exploring how to maximise our treaty
alliance with the United States in ways that would be mutually acceptable and
beneficial," he said.
Officials are currently in Washington discussing defence issues.
The Washington Post on Wednesday reported that officials were possibly in the
early stages of negotiating the return of US bases to the country, "the latest
in a series of strategic moves aimed at China".
He added that in the event of possible threats to national interest, "in
terms of, say, territorial disputes", a "minimum credible defence" was needed in
addition to dealing with the issues diplomatically.
In addition to military equipment and training programmes, Mr Del Rosario
said that they were open to exploring "other means of acceptable assistance and
cooperation from the US", including "a rotating and more frequent presence by
them".
The joint military exercises will be subject to the 1999 Visiting Forces
Agreement, which covers conditions for US ships and American troops allowed into
the country.
The Philippines became a US colony after a brief war early last century. It
eventually attained full independence in 1946 but the US maintained a presence
on military bases.
These bases , which included the famous Subic Bay naval base in Zambales,
were eventually voted out by the Senate in 1991, bringing to an end almost a
century of US military presence.
A US official dismissed the suggestion that bases could be re-established.
"The idea that we are looking to establish US bases or permanently station US
forces in the Philippines, or anywhere else in South East Asia, as part of a
China containment strategy is patently false," AP quoted Defense Department
spokeswoman Cmdr Leslie Hull-Ryde as saying.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved
PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS
ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE
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