The phrase when defense pacts are invoked is used instead of if invoked because given the ongoing territory disputes the Philippines has with China it is only a matter of time before armed conflict arises. For years Philippines has engaged in dispute with China over the Spratlys Islands (comprised of small islands, reefs, atolls and rocks). Portions of the Spratly Islands have been claimed by The People’s Republic of China (PRC), The Republic of China (ROC/Taiwan), The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. The China claims the territory through historical evidence dating back to the Xia Dynasty. The Philippines bases its claims to the islands on international law through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). (Spratly
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The maritime component of PACOM planners cares about this dispute because there is also a more strategic importance of the location than the possibility of economic gains through oil. The Spratlys Islands are in one of the busiest sea lanes on the globe; enabling the nation that controls the Spratlys to obstruct passages to trade and passage of enemies. A PACOM Strategist considering a constructivist view China’s claims come from feelings of ‘the long century of humiliation’ fuels China’s desire to lay claim to the Islands. (the 2012 Scarborough Shoal …show more content…
alliance and the trajectory of territory disputes with the China; PACOM must evaluate its ability to fulfill the agreement in the MDT. The priority of partnership was clear under the previous administration where it appears to be moving towards a position where the U.S. must protect its own interest at all costs. Strategist must weigh the benefits of PACOM adhering to all Mutual Defense Treaties for stability in the region against limitations of PACOM enacting Mutual Defense Treaties under America Foreign Policy. With blatant pursuits of military aid outside of U.S.; increasing contention with China the U.S- Philippines MDT should definitely be revisited. The new administration should be informed of anticipated need and provide guidance on the U.S. positions on engaging when territory disputes with result in MDT
The maritime component of PACOM planners cares about this dispute because there is also a more strategic importance of the location than the possibility of economic gains through oil. The Spratlys Islands are in one of the busiest sea lanes on the globe; enabling the nation that controls the Spratlys to obstruct passages to trade and passage of enemies. A PACOM Strategist considering a constructivist view China’s claims come from feelings of ‘the long century of humiliation’ fuels China’s desire to lay claim to the Islands. (the 2012 Scarborough Shoal …show more content…
alliance and the trajectory of territory disputes with the China; PACOM must evaluate its ability to fulfill the agreement in the MDT. The priority of partnership was clear under the previous administration where it appears to be moving towards a position where the U.S. must protect its own interest at all costs. Strategist must weigh the benefits of PACOM adhering to all Mutual Defense Treaties for stability in the region against limitations of PACOM enacting Mutual Defense Treaties under America Foreign Policy. With blatant pursuits of military aid outside of U.S.; increasing contention with China the U.S- Philippines MDT should definitely be revisited. The new administration should be informed of anticipated need and provide guidance on the U.S. positions on engaging when territory disputes with result in MDT