In a March 30, 2014 article at aljazeera.com titled "Philippines Sues China Over Sea Claims," author Ted Regencia reports that the Philippines has filed suit against the Chinese government regarding the Scarborough Shoal. In 2012, both nations sent forces to the Scarborough Shoal and were engaged in a standoff for an extended period of time before the United States stepped in and diffused the hostility. The Philippines left the area, as was agreed, but China ignored the orders and has stayed to occupy the area.
Just last month, the Philippines filed a lawsuit at The Hague against China over the Spratly Island chain as well as the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine government promulgate an uncooperative Chinese government, as is evidenced by China's refusal to entertain arbitration and mediation on any level below showcasing its naval capacities to the world. In other words, China wants to deal the with problem without the world looking over its shoulders.
Although the Philippines proclaims its sovereignty over certain Spratly area territories, China insists that it has proof of its land claims. The majority of Chinese evidence is historical in nature, with stories told of fisherman using some territories for fishing as far back as 2000 years ago. Although it can be said that China has a legitimate argument, the Philippines and China signed an agreement regarding Exclusive Economic Zones (EECs). The agreement dictates an EEC of 322 Kilometers (roughly 140 miles) of space surrounding a territory.
The Filipino government holds that according to international law, the Scarborough Shoal, as well as a good portion of Spratly, are territories belonging to the Philippines - as they fall within the 322 Km range. A simple google map search shows the Scarborough Shoal well within the 322 Km mark.
I believe this conflict to be the beginning of a serious future conflict. The tension between the two nations has consistently escalated over recent years and continues to hinge on the breadth of war. The United States has proclaimed support to countries in the region, and have shown more recently as honoring a military response if aggression exceeds past words.
Christopher M. Vacek
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/03/philippines-sues-china-over-sea-claims-nine-dashed-line--201433055112597830.html
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