Rule Ignoring International Laws

One year has passed on Wednesday, since Hague Arbitration Tribunal sentenced China as violating United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in its behavior of actual ruling around Philippines in the South China Sea. What has changed in a year was not China’s retreat from the area, but further violation. What made it happen was bilateral deal between China and Philippines with ignorance of international laws, which could be paralleled with the behavior of Donald Trump administration of United States.

Mainichi Shimbun made a report from Hainan Island in China, where was a homeport of Chinese fishermen in South China Sea. To the question about the decision of Hague Tribunal a year ago, one fisherman asked the journalist whether there was in Japan a fisherman who would not leave port with concern on a piece of wasted paper. They recognized the sea as full of treasure succeeding from their ancestors. Chinese government recommended the fishermen to continue their work, offering subsidy for the boats going around disputed Spratly Islands.

Visiting another disputed Paracel Islands is one of the popular tours for Chinese travelers. Although it costs about $800 for a four-day trip, the travelers enjoy patriotic events in the itinerary such as raising Five-star Red Flag of China there. Local government of Hainan promotes development of Spratly Islands. One mayor hopes to build a resort with wedding hall or diving attraction, modeling Maldives in Indian Sea.

As soon as the decision of Hague Tribunal was issued, Chinese government reached new Filipino administration led by President Rodrigo Duterte to handle the situation in South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping was successful in agreeing with Duterte to push aside the Hague decision last October. While China and Philippines were opposing over South China Sea, Duterte allowed Chinese ruling around his country.

The greatest leverage was economic support of China. In the time of dispute, China posed strict embargo on banana or pineapple from Philippines. Duterte drew $24 billion of economic support from Xi, which included governmental aid for development or business contracts between corporations. Travelers from China show fast increase this year, making the presence of China greater in Philippines. For Philippines, U.S. is an ally, and China is a neighbor.

U.S. presence in South China Sea has not changed so much in a year. Despite U.S. Force continuing Operation Freedom of Navigation in the region, China does not show any sign of reconsidering its policy of ruling the sea. Japan simply follows unclear vision of Trump administration on how to manage freedom of navigation in the region. Japanese support for Philippines including procurement of coast guard ships does not work for Japan’s interest.