Territorial Disputes in Spratly: An Assessment of the Philippine Initiatives
Abstract
The South China Sea is the subject of conflicting territorial claims among China, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. While most past confrontations among the claimants took place in words, recent events indicate that acts, and even military standoffs, are taking centre stage in the South China Sea territorial disputes. This dangerous development has caused diplomatic rows among claimant countries. The most-concerned factor is by all means a rising and more assertive China. Unfortunately, the Philippines is perhaps the first to stand test of China's massive claims in the South China Sea. Given the emerging regional security environment in the South China Sea, there is a need for the Philippines to assess its initiatives on how it is dealing with the maritime dispute in order to make logical and intelligent recommendations and actions that will gain the respect of the other claimants, contribute to maintaining peace and regional solidarity, and protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty. This paper discusses complex territorial dispute issues that need careful analysis and assessment to avert potential armed confrontation among concerned countries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589239
Entities
People
- Franco M. Gacal
Organizations
- United States Army War College