Philippine president: Beijing’s imperialism on the seas may trigger a military conflict
Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) – The governments of the world should be concerned about the imperialist policy of Beijing in the South China Sea which, in the near future, could even trigger a military conflict with far reaching consequences.
This is according to the Philippine President Benigno Aquino who has denounced China’s attempts to occupy most of the seas of the Asia-Pacific region. In an interview with AFP the head of also warns other nations in the area that they could see their access cut to international shipping lanes and fishing grounds.
Beijing’s claims should "scare the rest of the world," said Philippine President, who does not rule out the "possibility" of a military escalation of the conflict for control of the seas. A fact, he adds, that should be "on top" of the priority list of the world leaders. The project to create artificial islands, on which to build airstrips and ports, is an example of the reality of this threat.
In recent days, AsiaNews published a lengthy analysis by the Bush School of Government and Public Service, which reveals the propaganda strategies and used by China to justify their claims, while often hiding the facts. Within the report there are some satellite images, which show that China is claiming lands that, in reality, are the exclusive domain of the Philippines.
The Philippines – which is seeking a non-binding international ruling at the UN court - and Vietnam are increasingly worried about Beijing's imperialism in the South China and East China seas. The Chinese government claims most of the sea (almost 85 per cent), including sovereignty over the disputed Spratly and Paracel islands, in opposition to Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia. In recent months, China has used various political, economic and diplomatic means to hamper non-Chinese vessels from fishing or moving through the disputed waters.
For the United States, which backs the claims of Southeast Asia nations, Beijing's so-called 'cow tongue' line – which covers 80% of the 3.5 km2 - is both "illegal" and "irrational".
Anyone with a hegemonic sway over the region would have a strategic advantage, in terms of seabed (oil and gas) development, but also in trade since two thirds of the world's maritime trade transit through it.
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