Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
THE aggressive stance taken by the Philippines against China in the South China Sea dispute has backfired. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, the country shifted to a more confrontational policy. This included frequent public protests, highly publicized maritime incidents, and joint patrols and stronger military ties with the United States. The goal was to assert Philippine claims and deter Chinese actions in the “West Philippine Sea.” This approach, however, has produced the opposite result.
The clearest evidence of this failure is the current oil crisis. Energy needs have become pressing due to the war in the Middle East. Also, exploration in disputed areas such as the Reed Bank remains stalled. As a result, the Philippine government has found it necessary to soften its aggressive posture. Officials, including the president, have begun to woo China for cooperation on oil purchases and development. This reversal shows that the hardline policy could not be sustained when real economic pressures appeared. The confrontational strategy has left the country with fewer practical options.
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