No statement on sea dispute: ASEAN's loss

While it is the first time that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) failed to come up with a joint communique, it not so surprising especially when at the middle of it all is China.

ASEAN flag (Creative Commons)

The recent meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers and the regional bloc's dialogue partners failed to make any statement regarding the brewing tension at the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), where a two-month on-off standoff has been ongoing between the Philippine and Chinese militaries. China, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Brunei have conflicting claims over the sea believed to have huge gas and oil deposits and rich marine resources. China claims almost entirely the South China Sea while the rest are claiming parts, specifically the ones within their 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zones.

Leaders of the Philippines and Viet Nam were particularly upset that the ASEAN ministers failed to openly support their members that are being bullied by China. It is worth noting that the Philippines is one of the five (with Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore) founding countries of the bloc.

ASEAN's current chair, Cambodia, was apparently pressured not to mention the issue of the West Philippine Sea because of its trade dependence on China. Chinese leaders warned, even before the summit started, ASEAN leaders that including the issue of the contested sea was counter-productive to its relations with the bloc. China wants to deal with the issue bilaterally and not with ASEAN. Other members, notably Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Laos have important and strategic trade relationship with China. They don't want to offend the powerful country for fear of losing their business interest.

Ernest Bower, senior adviser and director of the Southeast Asia Program at Center for Strategic and International Studies said the Philippines despite the latest event should not give up on ASEAN because clearly "a divided ASEAN is for the best interest of China."

If every nation and regional bloc like ASEAN is at the beck and call of China, then it has just to give up its sovereignty. China appears to have mustered too much strength it acts as a patron that can decide when to push and pull the strings.

Comments

The Filipino Diaspora Abroad: One Foot in Motherland

I was privileged to give a reaction during the book launch of DIASPORA JOURNEY: PHILIPPINE MIGRATION AND DIASPORA NARRATIVES last October 30. The authors are Filipinos from various parts of the world. A majority of them have lived most of their lives in the US. In light of the recent elections in the US where migration was one of the most pressing issues, and unfortunately the rightwing campaign of the Republicans has demonised certain migrant groups as criminals and opportunists, I am publishing the reaction I gave during the launch. Magandang hapon po, good afternoon to all of you! To Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Consuls Jari, Nomer, Kay, friends at the embassy and the Filipino community, and the authors who are here – AVE RODRIGUEZ-BAXA, MYRLA DANAO, RUBY LANGEVELD-CUMBA, MALU PADILLA, JEFFREY MORALES, MAYA, AND CARLO BUTALID. It is my honor and pleasure to briefly react to this book, DIASPORA JOURNEY: PHILIPPINE MIGRATION AND DIASPORA NARRATIVES. When we propose a man...

Oh Osaka!

Osaka is a vibrant metropolis that pulsates with a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism. Often regarded as the culinary capital of Japan, this city is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its delicious street food delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Beyond its culinary prowess, Osaka's skyline is a testament to its futuristic ambitions, with dazzling skyscrapers standing tall against the backdrop of historical landmarks such as Osaka Castle, a remnant of Japan’s feudal past. Osaka's neighborhoods each tell their own story, from the bustling shopping streets of Shinsaibashi and the neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori, to the tranquil, cherry blossom-lined pathways of Osaka Castle Park. The city thrives on its unwavering energy, embodied in its residents, known for their warmth and distinctive Kansai dialect, which adds a colorful charm to everyday interactions. Culturally rich, it is home to an array of museums, the...

First Dutch Recipe Book of Well-loved Filipino Dishes

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: If someone asks about Dutch cuisine, the standard answer would be mashed potatoes with sausage topped with gravy or deep-fried fish fillet called ‘kibbeling’. And that ends there. It is the perceived ‘nothingness’ of the Dutch gastronomy that has paved way to the immense popularity of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Suriname, Japanese, and Thai food in the Netherlands. Every city has restaurants and takeaways that offer ‘orientalist’ food. But what is missing in the Netherlands is recognition of the Filipino food. The Dutch don’t have any idea about the Filipino dish unless they have been to the Philippines or married to a Filipino. The two Filipino restaurants, both located in The Hague, mostly have Filipino patrons (and their Dutch partners or friends). There is no Filipino equivalent yet to sushi , satay , pho , roti or pad Thai – popular dishes that are easily identifiable to an Asian country. So when Dutch couple and missi...

Stories & Photographs by Jofelle Tesorio

Search This Blog