BEIJING IS PRAISING Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for promoting its South China Sea Agenda; and serving as “model ” for Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
When it comes to accommodating its plans to turn the South China Sea into its own sea, Beijing is never short of kind words for Duterte. Or expressing its desire that countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia follow his example.
In a recent Global Times editorial, Beijing characterized Duterte as being “peaceful,” “cooperative,” and “restrained” in the South China Sea disputes.
“Why did Duterte persist in acting in a peaceful, cooperative and restrained way in the South China Sea despite some domestic criticism and US instigation?” asks the editorial. “Because Duterte has realized that putting disputes aside and seeking cooperation with China brings most benefits to his country. Through cooperative development, China and the Philippines are making an effort to ease tensions in the region and explore a new path of regional cooperation.”
The editorial goes on to give an account of the “cooperation” between the two countries.
“Take the joint development between China and the Philippines,” says the Global times. “The two countries released a joint statement in 2018, in which they said, “Both sides agree to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.”
The trouble is that the “peace” and “cooperation” agreed to is on Beijing’s terms, as the Philippines scored an international arbitration ruling that China has no historic title over the waters of the South China Sea. This means that any “joint development” project in the disputed waters will divide up what belongs to the Philippines.
As for “restraint,” it has come from the Philippines side only. Back in April of 2018, Duterte reversed his earlier decision to raise the Philippine flag in disputed islands, following Beijing’s “friendly” advice.
Meanwhile, Filipinos keep on counting their losses from Duterte’s flip-flops. China continues to assert its control over Thitu island, also known as Pag-asa island in the Philippines, according to a CNN report.
Then there’s the most recent incident in which a Chinese vessel sank a Philippine boat in what was described as a West PH Sea ‘collision.’
While China had kind words for Duterte, it has criticized other countries in the region for not sharing his vision. “Some countries concerned, even countries outside the region, are very sensitive about China’s movements in the South China Sea,” notes the Global Times editorial. “These countries over-interpret China’s decisions, accuse China of “bullying,” and even sow dissension among countries in the region to benefit from it.”
Apparently, Beijing is referring to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which have been confrontational rather than befriending Beijing. But these countries have done a better job in defending their own interests than Duterte has done for the Philippines. (Panos Mourdoukoutas – Forbes)
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