Just my opinion: Who really owns Spratlys?
Author: n.d. a.k.a. nestor / slick master
06/26/2011
07:40 P.M.
Honestly, it’s hard to say that “we own Spratlys” when in fact we only read one side of an issue regarding on it. I admit that I’ve been using harsh language regarding my opinion considering the fact that China’s a big country (and even next to the super-country United States in terms of power) and they are spawning the land that allegedly supposed their own; Though by reading history books at least they can tell that Spratly islands are owned by us Filipinos. However there are claims by China that they used to have its own share of claim either, like those old dynasties ago. So were the other countries. Now if you’re Filipino and you have read history claims of China (well, you learn either Fookien, Cantonese or Mandarin though) and included that part, it’s really hard to point out which side are you really from, even if you have the nationality of the RP (or try doing that the other way, just in case you’re a Chinese.)
What the hell do I mean? I have researched about that certain group of islands some few days ago and here is the outcome. The Philippines had claimed the islands since mid 70s, which was known as Kalayaan group of islands. But before that, a private Philippine expedition explored that in 1956 and occupied the islands later on. It is also stated that in 1979, Philippines wants the seven islands of Spratlys under their government and not the rest of archipelago. That’s contrary to the geographical artifacts that the Spratlys are lying near RP.
However, other countries had its own share, such as Malaysia which joined the dispute in 1979. They based it on the fact that Spratlys are part of its continental shelf and that gives them under the so-called Law of Sea Convention which barely means that Malaysia has its control on the territory and resources lying at the Spratly group of islands.
Taiwan has its own share and in fact owning one of the biggest islands of that archipelago. claims to the island are based on its assertion that Taiwan and its Kuomintang government are the true China. Both Taiwan and the People's Republic of China say that the islands were discovered by Chinese navigators, used by Chinese fishermen for centuries, and under the administration of China since the 15th
century. However, since Taiwan claims to be the true China, the island should belong to them and not on the People’s Republic or Mainland.
In this research of American.edu in 1986 it is found that China and Vietnam were the main protagonists on the dispute.
(re-updated) 07-20-2011/12:23 p.m.
Nowadays, the issue remains after a treaty and exploration of the countries involved continues. Apparently, there is a settlement a mid-decade ago that allows China to explore the islands for the sake of oil. Since oil products have skyrocketing prices in the market nowadays, the world needs to seek new sources which apparently the Spratlys are one of them.
Now, there goes that China allegedly showing its superior strength over the other 5 country-occupants of the said archipelago, when they thwarted off Vietnam’s space and attempting to occupy the other islands that are already owned by the other explorers. And the Philippines came to the rescue and there goes the diplomatic trash talk between the two countries. Not only that, their constituents are throwing tongue-lashing words against each other and to the extent that the economic adviser of the Philippines shouting “boycott the China products.”
But, if you do that, that may be another topic to tackle. US shown their support to RP, but Chinese government warned the States to not to get involved in the dispute. And Singapore asked China to clarify its claim. And Vietnam even supports the republic in its fight against possible Chinese conquest.
However, as other issues arose to the circulation, you will wonder whatever happened to this dispute for some time later. One this is for sure though. China and the Philippines agreed that they will exhaust their diplomatic ways to resolve the dispute and they will definitely not use any means of military strength for the matter. At least, they’re at peace and hopefully for these two countries will remain their diplomatic relationship for some time.
Just imagine if there will be “War of Spratlys.” What can be the weapons that the other countries, particularly RP can slug against China? And at least, this is not a good sight on the part of the United Nations, ASEAN and other world organizations.
But one thing is for sure, let’s move on. They will definitely try to resolve everything in peaceful manner.
© 2011 september twenty-eight productions.
