Will WPS tensions come to a head?

A small, seemingly insignificant shoal is now at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war between China and the Philippines. The ramming of two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels by their Chinese counterpart has triggered another howl of protest from Manila, an accusation which Beijing of course denied and turned the tables on instead, saying that they were the victims in the confrontation.

The issue escalated when China protested the continued presence of the PCG vessel, the Teresa Magbanua, near the shoal. China claimed the ship was encroaching on its territory, while the Philippines countered that the vessel was well within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), asserting its sovereign right to patrol the area.

This standoff, though not unprecedented, raises critical questions about the future of peace and stability in the region: Will the tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) finally come to a head?

To understand the significance of Escoda Shoal, it’s essential to consider its location and the broader context of the South China Sea disputes. The shoal, located within the Spratly Islands, is part of the West Philippine Sea, a region rich in natural resources and strategic military value.

Multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, have overlapping claims in this area, but China’s claim is by far the most extensive. Beijing asserts ownership over nearly the entire South China Sea, delineated by its controversial “nine-dash line,” which overlaps the EEZs of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.

The Philippines, for its part, bases its claim on international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to UNCLOS, the Philippines has the sovereign right to explore and exploit natural resources within its 200-nautical-mile EEZ. This legal framework was bolstered by the 2016 arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Despite this ruling, China has refused to recognize the decision, continuing to assert its claims and increase its military presence in the region.

The recent incident at Escoda Shoal is a microcosm of the broader tensions between China and the Philippines. China’s protest against the Teresa Magbanua’s presence is part of its broader strategy to assert control over disputed areas by pressuring other claimants to back down. The Philippines’ decision to stand its ground, however, signals a growing resolve to protect its interests, particularly under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken a more assertive stance on the WPS compared to his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.

The question now is whether this latest standoff will escalate into a broader conflict. Historically, both China and the Philippines have managed to avoid direct military confrontation, opting instead for diplomatic engagement and, at times, de-escalation through backdoor channels.

However, the dynamics are shifting. China’s increasing militarization of the South China Sea, coupled with its aggressive rhetoric and actions, has heightened tensions. The Philippines, meanwhile, has been bolstering its defense capabilities and strengthening its alliances, particularly with the United States, which has reaffirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack.

One possible outcome of the current standoff is a continuation of the status quo, where both sides engage in a war of words and minor provocations without escalating to full-blown conflict. This scenario is likely as both countries have much to lose with a direct military confrontation. China, despite its military superiority, faces the prospect of international condemnation and possible economic sanctions, while the Philippines would likely suffer significant damage and loss of life in any conflict.

Another possibility is that the situation could spiral out of control, particularly if there is a miscalculation or an incident at sea that leads to unintended escalation. The presence of military and coast guard vessels in close proximity increases the risk of accidents, which could quickly escalate into a larger conflict, especially if nationalist sentiments are inflamed.

Ultimately, the future of the West Philippine Sea will depend on the ability of China and the Philippines to manage their differences through diplomacy and restraint. While the latest incident at Escoda Shoal is concerning, it does not necessarily mean that the WPS tensions will come to a head.

However, the risk remains, and both nations must tread carefully to avoid turning a simmering dispute into a catastrophic conflict.