The Philippines and China must talk, not wage war
China’s rejection of the arbitral court’s ruling and attacks on the Philippines for stirring up trouble is a predictable response. It is in keeping with the strident rhetoric that characterised China’s refusal to participate in the arbitration, on the con
However, it is too early to rejoice. It must be noted that the international tribunal has no enforcement mechanism to implement its decision. What will we do if China does not abide by the decision of the tribunal court?
Of course, to wage a war against China is at the height of folly. Toe to toe, we cannot match China’s military strength and capability, not to mention its size and clout.
To conduct bilateral talks with China is still the best option. Our government should now adopt this as its official stance to allay growing fears in the country that war against China is around the corner.
A pre-condition to these talks should be the renunciation of China’s nine-dash claim to the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
In the practical Art of War, Sun Tzu says: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
Reginald B Tamayo
Marikina City/Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN)
