Dear Editor,

The recent detection of a Russian submarine in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has reignited anxieties surrounding this contested territory. While the Philippine Navy has clarified that the submarine’s passage was legal under international law, the incident underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of the region and the need for a nuanced Philippine response.

The legality of the submarine’s passage is based on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which the Philippines, like most nations, is a signatory. Under UNCLOS, foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage through a nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from the coastal state’s territorial sea. The right of innocent passage means that the foreign vessel must not engage in activities harmful to the security or economic interests of the coastal state.

The Philippine Navy has stated that the Russian submarine’s passage was “not illegal” and did not involve any aggressive maneuvers. However, the incident raises concerns about transparency and its potential strategic implications. The lack of prior notification from Russia regarding the submarine’s presence could be interpreted as a display of force or a disregard for Philippine interests in the region.

Moreover, the timing of the submarine’s passage coincides with heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This raises concerns about the WPS becoming a venue for broader geopolitical competition, potentially drawing the Philippines into a conflict it seeks to avoid.

The Philippine response to the incident has been measured, with President Marcos Jr.’s initial expression of concern reflecting an understanding of the potential anxieties surrounding the event. The Navy’s clarification about the legality of the passage further underscores the country’s commitment to upholding international law. This approach is commendable. Escalating tensions with Russia serves little purpose for the Philippines, and instead, the country must adopt a multi-pronged strategy that safeguards national interests while navigating the complex geopolitical realities.

The Philippines must continue to strengthen its maritime capabilities, including investing in its navy, coast guard, and maritime surveillance infrastructure. A robust maritime presence will allow the country to better monitor activities within its EEZ and deter potential threats.

In addition, the Philippines should deepen its engagement with regional partners such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, who also have territorial disputes with China. This will help create a unified approach to securing the region. Strengthening ties with the United States, a longstanding ally, is also essential in deterring any potential threats.

Furthermore, the Philippines should explore peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. Initiating dialogues with China and Russia on maritime security issues could help ease tensions and establish clear communication channels.

The national government must strike a delicate balance between asserting territorial claims and maintaining economic relations with powerful nations like Russia and China. The Philippines requires foreign direct investment for its economic development, and antagonizing these nations could have significant economic repercussions.

This recent incident highlights the need for the Philippines to have a clear and well-defined national security strategy for the WPS. This strategy should address potential threats, define strategic alliances and outline courses of action for various scenarios.

The path forward for the Philippines in the WPS is far from straightforward. Navigating the geopolitical complexities requires careful diplomacy, calculated assertiveness, and a commitment to upholding international law. By prioritizing national security, fostering regional cooperation, and engaging in peaceful conflict resolution, the Philippines can safeguard its territorial interests and ensure a stable and secure maritime environment.

Sincerely,

Lindo Marudo

marlind1980@yahoo.com