Whose interest is Duterte serving, Chinese or Filipino?
President Rodrigo Duterte’s position on the Philippines’ maritime dispute with China is destroying chances of stopping assertive Beijing’s creeping usurpation of the West Philippine Sea.
In order to confront China, the Philippines needs broad international support to secure its future and long-term interests. Unnecessary “ego clashes” with the leaders of powerful nations will only marginalise the Philippines.
No one is above a country’s national interest, not even its highest official. Taking the nation on a dangerous path to satisfy one’s ego and polish personal charisma will only push the Philippines into global isolation.
If Duterte maintains his immature posturing in dealings with other nations, the golden advantage the Philippines won from an international arbitration ruling in July will go down the drain. Without the support of the United States and the West, the Philippines will be unable to resist Chinese aggression that seeks to rob the country of its rightful claim to the resource-rich West Philippine Sea.
One wonders whether Duterte has the long-term interest of the Philippines in mind or if he has prioritised short-term gains with China.
Saikat Kumar Basu
(Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN)
