The China-Philippines Scarborough Shoal Conflict and the US

The April events surrounding the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea drew the world’s attention and also had a pronounced effect on China’s citizens. On the surface, this event seems to be one concerning only China and the Philippines. However, it is actually a part of the greater game being played by superpowers. This event demonstrates the new developments taking place in the South China Sea, but it also offers the potential for cooperation in the area.

Containing China in the pursuit of interests

The conflict over the Scarborough Shoal between the Philippines and a Chinese boat reflects the strategic interest the Philippines has in containing China in the South China Sea. In the Asia-Pacific region, America’s dominant position has been increasingly threatened by China. One could say that China’s 30 years of rapid growth has canceled out America’s previous leading position. This change, coupled with the ideological differences between the two, has caused the U.S. to view China as a potential adversary. Devising means of containing China is a main component of U.S. policy toward China. As Taiwan’s relations with China continue to warm and as Taiwan’s strategic interest in containing China continues to drop, the strategic value of the South China Sea only increases.

Before the U.S. secretary of Defense and secretary of State publicly stated America’s involvement in the South China Sea in 2010, the U.S. had never used such official channels to express their intention of getting involved in the affairs of the region. However, the South China Sea is vital to many American interests. The shipping routes in the region are of crucial importance to the U.S.; something the U.S. has vocally voiced its concerns about. Practically all high-ranking American officials have publicly expressed their desire to maintain the safety and freedom of these shipping lanes. Many American firms have also invested large amounts in the region. The trade between the U.S. and the surrounding countries continues to increase. It is for these reasons that the U.S. has expressed its desire to get involved in the affairs of the South China Sea.

Military cooperation between U.S. and Philippines provokes Philippines’ strong stance against China

The period after the April conflict over the Scarborough Shoal not only saw in increase in military cooperation between the U.S. and Philippines but also witnessed their carrying out of joint military exercises in areas not far from the shoal. 10 years ago, at a time when military cooperation between the two countries was also strong, a Philippine military ship rammed into a Chinese fishing vessel near the Scarborough Shoal. At present, although America’s support for the Philippines during the April Scarborough Shoal conflict is not obvious, it is clear that continuous expansion in military cooperation between the U.S. and Philippines is one of the main factors for the Philippines’ tough stance against China in the South China Sea.

For the Philippines, the strategic value of the Scarborough Shoal outweighs its economic value. Unlike Chinese fishermen, Philippine fishermen seldom fish in the area. Moreover, there is currently no proof showing that the Scarborough Shoal has large reserves of oil and gas. Therefore, the economic value of such a place is not high for the Philippines. However, the shoal is close to the Philippine coast, and they are very reluctant to see it controlled by another country, especially one in whom they do not have a lot of trust. For the Philippines, the Scarborough Shoal is a security issue. The recent conflict in the area allows the Philippines to strengthen their relationship with the U.S., which may result in the U.S. increasing its level of support for the Philippines.

The U.S. has been increasing its overall cooperation with the surrounding nations in the South China Sea as a means to become more involved, both directly and indirectly, with the affairs of the South China Sea. For this reason, the U.S. has been able to maintain its prestige among its allies in the region.

Finding common interests is the only way to ensure a win-win situation

The Scarborough Shoal has belonged to China for a very long time. The Chinese government has made three separate announcements proclaiming the names of several South China Sea islands in 1935, 1947 and 1983. Among those named included the Scarborough Shoal. In 1983, the Chinese Committee on Geographical Names announced the names for several South China Sea islands — the first such instance since the founding of the PRC. Again, this announcement, the most comprehensive announcement of its kind, included the Scarborough Shoal. As an official announcement, a public naming is a means of identifying and recognizing sovereignty. Furthermore, while China made its first two proclamations in 1935 and 1947, the Philippines had still not gained independence. In 1983, when the Chinese government confirmed its sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, the Philippines raised no objections.

Looking back on the Scarborough Shoal conflict in April, it’s clear that China would be able to more effectively govern the island. Certainly, the use of Philippine naval vessels is not the best option. If the official Chinese ships, while in their governance of the shoal, are able to look after the economic activities of the Philippine ships in the area, much like China’s protection of legitimate activities between Chinese and foreigners, then this would allow for greater mutual benefit and ultimately, a win-win situation.

Furthermore, the Scarborough Shoal is not the most controversial issue of the South China Sea. The sovereignty and ownership of the Spratly Islands is the real issue. The Scarborough Shoal is north of the Spratly Islands and is not a part of the Spratly Islands dispute. In contrast to the Spratly Islands issue, the Scarborough Shoal does not directly involve several countries. It only involves China and the Philippines and therefore can be resolved between these two countries through discussions. The exploratory solutions used to resolve the Scarborough Shoal issue could then later serve as an example as to how to resolve the Spratly Islands predicament.