China’s maritime rights rely on development

Source:Global Times Published: 2016/7/28 0:18:00

US Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Manila after attending a series of foreign ministers' meetings in Vientiane, Laos. He is the highest-ranking official to have visited the Philippines since the South China Sea arbitration case was closed. Prior to the visit, the US, Japan and Australia issued a joint statement stressing the arbitration award is "legally binding." Kerry repeated this stance in Manila.

Still, it's widely believed that the US has softened its posture, even though it could only be a strategic tactic. Kerry said the US will not take a position on the South China Sea arbitration award during his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In Manila, he called on relevant parties to exercise restraint and avoid confrontation over the South China Sea dispute. He also encouraged Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to engage in talks and negotiations with China.

Washington has sent multiple signals. At the same time, Manila has also made a few policy flip-flops. Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay on Wednesday said the Philippines had never urged the international community, particularly ASEAN, to support it "in the merits of our case" against China. Duterte has appointed former president Fidel Ramos as special envoy to China. He has more willingness to negotiate than his predecessor Benigno Aquino III, but on the other hand, he told Kerry that any talks the Philippines will pursue with China would only be held under the framework of the arbitration award.

Through the arbitration and overt and covert wrestling, relevant parties know better about each other's bottom line. The high tide of a short-term confrontation in the South China Sea has passed. It remains to see whether there is a second wave and when it will come.

China's rejection of the illegal arbitration award is clear-cut and uncompromising. Wide support worldwide to its claim and military exercises in the South China Sea have helped demonstrate China's determination. It can be expected that China will resolutely strike back against any substantial provocations. This is the primary reason why Washington and Manila have lowered their high-profile stance.  China's South China Sea policy in recent years has gained success. The airports and harbors built up on the Nansha Islands are of great strategic value and will have far-reaching influence. The public opinion and diplomatic pressure that have been brought about by the arbitration case can be negligible.

The challenges are not over. The US, Japan, or the Philippines can repeatedly make use of the arbitration award and use it as a bargaining chip when dealing with China. China has strengthened its efforts in maintaining its legal rights in the South China Sea, expanded island construction and engaged in wrangling with the US and Japan over the arbitration case. That's because China has developed into a strong power. We must keep developing and grow stronger. By that time, the facilities on the islands will be fully utilized for the good of the region and China's desire for peaceful development will have more influence over the trajectory of the South China Sea issue.



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