Legal Rights vs. Coercive Might: The Philippines’ Struggle in the South China Sea

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

In a world where the fragile fabric of peace is perpetually strained, the South China Sea stands as a powder keg teetering on the brink of explosion. At its heart lies the contested Ayungin Shoal, a symbol of national pride for the Philippines and an unyielding assertion of dominance by China. The latest salvo in this geopolitical tug-of-war comes in the form of a Chinese accusation: the Philippine Navy, they allege, destroyed Chinese fishing nets in these troubled waters. Yet, as we peel back the layers of this claim, it becomes clear that this is not just a dispute over nets—it is a microcosm of China’s broader, insidious campaign of coercion and aggression.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) wasted no time in calling out this ruse for what it is: a “malign influence operation” designed to divert attention from China’s illegal incursions. “It seeks to distract from the real issue at hand,” asserted AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margerath Padilla, pinpointing China’s tactics with surgical precision. The real issue, she clarifies, is the unrelenting presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an act as provocative as it is unlawful.

It is essential to underscore the legal and moral high ground on which the Philippines stands. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) unequivocally recognizes the Philippines’ sovereign rights over these waters. The 2016 ruling by the international arbitration tribunal in The Hague further cemented this, unequivocally invalidating China’s expansive claims over the West Philippine Sea. Beijing’s disregard for this ruling is not just a slight against the Philippines; it is a brazen affront to international law and order.

The Philippines’ restraint in the face of such provocation is commendable. Rather than escalating tensions, the Philippine Navy has opted for transparency and truth. A video released by the Navy debunked Chinese claims that Filipino troops had pointed guns at Chinese agents—a clear attempt by China to paint itself as a victim rather than the aggressor it so evidently is. The footage showed Chinese agents dangerously close to the BRP Sierra Madre, underscoring the Philippines’ defensive posture.

China’s strategy here is clear: to perpetuate a narrative of victimhood while continuously encroaching on Philippine territory. This pattern of behavior—aggressive posturing followed by playing the aggrieved party—is a textbook example of psychological manipulation on the global stage. It is a ploy to muddy the waters, to obscure the glaring reality of its unlawful and coercive actions.

In stark contrast, the Philippines has exhibited remarkable fortitude and adherence to international norms. Its leaders and military have consistently called for diplomatic solutions, even as they face a giant whose disregard for international law is matched only by its appetite for regional dominance. This is a critical juncture for the international community to rally behind the Philippines. The West Philippine Sea is not just a local dispute; it is a litmus test for the principles of sovereignty and the rule of law that underpin global peace.

It is incumbent upon global powers, especially the United States and its allies, to reaffirm their support for the Philippines through concrete actions, not just words. Freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea must be ramped up, and diplomatic pressure on China must be unrelenting. The international community must make it unequivocally clear that the subversion of international law will not be tolerated.

Moreover, ASEAN nations must find a unified voice. The fractures within ASEAN only serve to embolden China. A collective, unequivocal stance is essential to curb Beijing’s ambitions. Economic measures, such as sanctions or restrictions on Chinese entities involved in these unlawful activities, should be on the table.

In this high-stakes game of geopolitical chess, the Philippines has played its moves with commendable poise and legality. China, on the other hand, continues to flout the rules-based order with impunity. As we stand on the precipice of potential conflict, the call for diplomacy and peace has never been more urgent. The world must act decisively to support the Philippines, uphold international law, and ensure that might does not make right in the South China Sea.