| ID | 136330 |
| Title Proper | Sino-Philippine dispute over the South China Sea and its prospects |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Jimming, Li |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In recent months, the Philippines has frequently stirred up trouble on Huangyan Island and the Ren’ai Reef. On March 30, 2014, it submitted a petition to the international tribunal. Even on the eve of submitting its complaint, the Philippines sent several so-called “civilian ships” to forcefully enter the waters around the Ren’ai Reef, and arranged for a number of reporters from various television stations and other media to witness the journey and stir up public opinion. The Ren’ai Reef has also been included within the line of the sovereign territory scope to which it lays claim. The U.S. has also made irresponsible comments on the Ren’ai Reef issue in order to sign the U.S.-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that will give the U.S. forces access to Philippine military bases. On March 31, the U.S. State Department’s deputy spokesman Marie Harf claimed that China had tried to block Philippine access to its supply ship stranded on the Ren’ai Reef, leading to a standoff between the two sides for nearly two hours. The U.S. considered that this was provocative behavior that would lead to instability. No doubt, such comments do not represent the full facts, and will encourage the Philippines to make further provocations and to heat up the South China Sea disputes. |
| `In' analytical Note | Contemporary International Relations Vol.24, No.6; Nov-Dec.2014: p.49-71 |
| Journal Source | Contemporary International Relations 2014-12 24, 6 |
| Standard Number | United States – US |