Duterte's quest over West Philippines sea dispute

The newly elected President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte is not new to being treated with ultimate respect. During his time as the Mayor of Davao City, he literally cleaned the streets off of thugs, addicts and criminals utilizing police and military operations and vigilante groups.

But on 12th of July, afternoon; President Duterte's patience was tested. This was due to the China and the West Philippines Sea or WPS dispute, after the ruling that China has violated the WPS when the latter started construction of man made islands, a run way, in effect destroying rich coral reefs maritime resources.

This battle started with the Aquino administration and was inherited by Duterte's administration. Although, President Duterte has shown tough and solid rock persona, this issue of the WPS may yet be his test of fire when in comes to international talks and correspondence.

President Duterte offered former President Fidel V. Ramos as special envoy to lead the talks with China regarding the West Philippines Sea dispute. This was after the ruling of the tribunal that favors the Philippines. Ramos accepted the job right after he was given a go signal from his doctors that he is physically fit for the job. Ramos is 88 years old, runs on one kidney and has a newly installed pacemaker which makes it all together a bit difficult task to recon. But with the backing of the newly made National Security Council, Ramos said he can deliver what is expected of him.

Chinese bomber plane flies over Scarborough Shoal

Chinese bomber plane was seen flying over Scarborough Shoal after few days, that United Nation (UN) Permanent Court gave the favor to the Philippines over the decision on the South China Sea dispute.

In a report, Chinese H-6K long range bomber flies over Panatag Scarborough Shoal in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone after the UN thrown China’s 9-Dash Line claim.

China's nuclear-capable bomber was seen over the Scarborough Shoal turning around the island.

All we know is that the China government did not recognize the verdict of the international court because they said that they owned the islands since ancient times yet the court told that they don't have legal basis.

On Twitter, Friday, some photos have seen that the bomber, the H-6K, was flying over the disputed island, Scarborough Shoal posted by China’s State Council Information Office.

The tribunal also said that China’s nine-dash claims had no legal basis and the military-today.com website said that the Chinese nuclear bomber is a “strategic bomber” and “capable of attacking US carrier battle groups and priority targets in Asia.”

However, as part of its contribution to the region’s stability in the international waters and airspace the United States also deployed its A-10 Thunderbird attack planes over the Scarborough Shoal for maritime patrols.

United States is the longtime partner and ally of Philippines for how many years now regarding world conflict.

Source: Inquirer

Google Maps: Erases Chinese name and updates Scarborough Shoal as PHterritory

After the Philippines wins the arbitration case filed in United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea against People's Republic of China (PRC).

It was labelled the shoal before as part of China’s Zhongsha island chain and having an online campaign which demanded the Internet giant to stop identifying it as part of Chinese territory but to be part of the Philippines.

“We’ve updated Google Maps to fix the issue. We understand that geographic names can raise deep emotions which is why we worked quickly once this was brought to our attention,” Google’s office in Manila said in a statement.

Scarborough Shoal is just 220 kilometers or 140 miles away from the main Philippine island of Luzon yet it's 650 kilometers away from the nearest territory under China which is Hainan island.

When Change.org, a campaigns website began its petition over last week to get the attention of Google Maps to eradicate the Chinese name of the shoal on its site, were the petition got a close of 2,000 supporters agreeing with it.

According to the petition,“China’s sweeping claim of the South China Sea under their nine-dash line purportedly historical boundary is illegal and is creating tension among nations".

"Google maps showing this is part of Zhongsha island chain gives credence to what is plainly a territory grab that peace loving nations should stand against.”

Former Justice Secretary Leila De Lima told ABS-CBN on Tuesday, “We are doing this as a peaceful means to resolve the dispute. We can’t fight China economically, militarily and even politically. This is the way to do it".

Source: Inquirer

VIDEO: Groups Celebrate as Philippines wins arbitration case over China

Many groups on Tuesday, July 12 gave an advance celebration for the awaited decision of the International Arbitral Tribunal on the case of Philippines versus China’s claims over West Philippine Sea or was known as South China Sea.

The members of US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG), Marcha Kontra Tsina, Vietnamese Community in the Philippines (VCP), Kalayaan Atin Ito and Akbayan has joint marched to the sea wall of Manila Bay for a simple gathering and releasing of balloons and Sampaguita flowers.

Head of Marcha Kontra Tsina, former congressman Roilo Golez said,“It’s the colors of our flag. It’s a symbol of hope at saka national symbol natin ‘yun (Sampaguita flowers)".

The day ends with so much pride and thankfulness, for the groups’ wishes had came true as the Tribunal released a 500-paged document detailing its decision positively affirming Philippines’ claims and criticizing China for violating another country’s sovereign rights.

WATCH FULL VIDEO:

video: inquirer.net

Source: Inquirer