Philippines warns against China’s expansionist policy
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has warned against China’s efforts to claim territory in the South China Sea.
In an exclusive interview with AFP, the Filipino leader warned that the territorial claims could turn into a full-out military conflict in the region.
He said, “The question of it [the territorial disputes] escalating to something beyond everybody’s control should be at the top of the minds of all world leaders.”
Aquino warned that China’s increasing influence in disputed territories would give it control over vital international shipping lanes and rich fishing grounds in the sea.
Regional countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, all have overlapping claims with China over disputed territories in the South China Sea. The disputed territories include the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas Islands, and Scarborough Shoal. Some of the disputes have been taken to the United Nations for settlement.
Beijing has repeatedly announced that the regions in dispute are a part of China’s inherent territory. Beijing maintains that no matter what others say or do, this will not be changed.
The United States, for its part in the international dispute, has taken sides with its regional allies like the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan, against Beijing.
The disputed territories are of significance due to their locations, some on main shipping routes passing through the South China Sea, and also because the disputed territories are said to be rich in oil and gas, giving them added value.
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