Disputed waters: Journalists aboard a coast guard ship looking on as a Philippine civilian ship (left) changed course after aborting its trip in the South China Sea in this file photo. — AFP
The Philippines’ provocations in the South China Sea undermine the cooperation between China and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean), and could have a spillover effect on the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region, said a Chinese researcher.
The South China Sea has emerged as one hotspot as the Philippines, incited by the United States, noticeably increased its provocations in the South China Sea, said Zhang Jie, a researcher from the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in a recent interview with Xinhua.
The United States has always wrongfully regarded China as the only country with the willingness and capability to challenge it, and in order to avoid a direct confrontation with China, it has chosen to shape the strategic environment around China, according to the researcher.
“It is evident that the United States, by directly involving itself, may not have as much legitimacy as, for example, if countries like the Philippines act as its vanguards,” she said.
The United States aims to keep the South China Sea issue heated but does not desire a complete breakdown.
Therefore, it has regarded the recent incidents as law enforcement actions, without invoking the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty, according to the expert.
“In terms of the situation on the diplomatic stage, it is evident that provocations such as those from the Philippines could indeed disrupt the overall progress of China-Asean cooperation,” she said.
The Asia-Pacific region contributed to over 60% of the global GDP growth during the last decade, making it a pivotal area for global economic advancement, she said, adding that Asean has concentrated on regional development with the aspiration to maintain its economic growth centre.
“Given the current economic challenges worldwide, any conflict or major escalation, such as in the South China Sea, could significantly disrupt the trajectory of regional and global economic development,” she said. — Xinhua
