Filipino protesters
perform a tug of war over the Philippines between
China President Xi and
President Obama, in Quezon City, Philippines.
Is the
Philippines just a
pawn in the great game playing out between
America and China? The Manila Times doubts it.
U.S. Defense Treaty with Philippines an 'Elaborate Charade'
(Manila Times, The Philippines)
"Some voices in Washington insist America would never risk
a shooting war with China over the Philippines. They claim that we don't offer
the United States the economic value that Japan and South Korea do. In other
words, the Philippines is a pawn that might be sacrificed. Obama himself
admitted that insofar as trade is concerned, China is vital to the U.S. If
that's the case, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement we just signed is
nothing but an elaborate charade."
Newly deployed Philippine Marines, stationed aboard the derelict BRP Sierra Madre, wave as a ressuply ship leaves the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, which is part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, March 30. China sought to block the resupply but the Phillipine ship made it through.
Hours
before U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Manila, the Philippines and
United States signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), hailed as a key element of Washington's Asia-Pacific
"pivot" strategy.
Throughout
his four-nation Asian tour, Obama has depicted the pivot as proof that the U.S.
recognizes the significance of the Asia-Pacific in the new world order, and a
conviction that America must play a key role in shaping the region's economic
and political landscape.
That is
likely to thrust the United States into a dangerous confrontation with China,
which openly intends to become the region's unquestioned dominant player.
Obama, however, is careful not to ruffle Beijing’s feathers, stressing that it
isn't America’s intention to "counter" or "contain" China.
"Our
goal is to make sure that international rules and norms are respected," he
reiterated at a press conference in Malacañang on
Monday [watch below].
The American
president’s words are meant to have a reassuring ring, but they fail to allay
lingering concerns about those on the frontline of any confrontation between
the superpowers as they play geopolitical chess.
For its
rebalancing policy to work, the United States depends on unwavering support
from its allies in the region. It already has Japan and South Korea on its side
- economic giants with the clout to face up to China. But what about less
economically-endowed nations like the Philippines? Will we be relegated to
being a pawn in a high-stakes contest?
The Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement could provide a clue to our role in America's
scheme of things. The accord opens the door to additional U.S. troops in the
Philippines, but not permanent basing of these troops, as the Philippine
Constitution prohibits that.
"Greater
cooperation between American and Filipino forces would enhance our ability to
train, exercise, and operate with each other, and respond even faster to a
range of challenges," Obama said. These challenges include a speedier
response to calamities [like Typhoon Hayan] and
building a deterrent against terrorism.
What is not
so black and white is that the agreement could effectively curb China’s
expansionist designs in the region. Obama might deny that to the high heavens,
but the accord sends a message to Beijing: "This is where we are drawing
the line. Cross at your own risk."
The
persistent question is, where exactly is that line? Will it be crossed when
Chinese troops land on Ayungin Shoal [aka/Second
Thomas Shoal] and drive out the handful of Philippine Marines stationed there
aboard a derelict Philippine warship? Will it be when the Chinese Coast Guard
fires live bullets instead of water cannon at Filipino fishermen approaching
Scarborough Shoal? And if the line is crossed, how will the United States
respond?
President Obama would not
be baited into answering this sensitive question, but some voices in Washington
insist America would never risk a shooting war with China over the Philippines.
They claim that we don't offer the United States the economic value that Japan
and South Korea do. In other words, the Philippines is a pawn that might be
sacrificed.
Obama himself admitted
that insofar as trade is concerned, China is vital to the U.S.
Competing
territorial claims in the South China Sea: China sees the
United States
meddling, whereas other nations in the region regard
the U.S. as
playing a balancing role.
"I think
it’s good for the region and the world if China is successfully developing and
lifting its people out of poverty," he said.
If that's the
case, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement we just signed is nothing but
an elaborate charade. We sincerely hope it is not, but we need straight answers
from President Obama. All he has given us are evasions.
