USA and China

THE Scarborough Shoal may not be a very big group of islands that is being claimed by the Philippines, China and several others. But it could trigger a big military confrontation between China and the United States of America. The possibility is there and it is real.

The standoff that took place recently has dragged the U.S.A. to the picture. And since the latter is committed to defend our country against any aggression as embodied in the Mutual Defense Act, it has to stand by its words and principle.

The issue involved is insignificant but the Philippines is truly the owner of the islands because of its proximity and history. The Scarborough Shoal is within the perimeter required by law while China is located so far away behind the horizon. It is the ugly ambition of China that drives it to claim such an island that is quite a distance from its territory. And the trouble with it is its pride to display muscles and power and readiness to go to war. China has more than thirty ships in the area against the Filipinos’ just two small ships.

The picture is not good to the eyes of the international audience. It is bullying the Philippines with its strength and influence. China is just so proud of itself it wants to show to the world it can move heaven and mountains by its own resources. It is proving it is a true giant and could wrestle anybody’s neck as it wishes. Certainly, this is unacceptable to the Filipinos.

The Philippines and the United States has its own differences too, especially during the time when the former drove out the American bases in the country many years ago. We never thought that was wrong but many of our politicians were so proud of themselves and thought America is not so much to the Filipinos. It was again because majority of the countrymen really think we cannot survive without the greatness of Uncle Sam.

Imagine driving out the hen that lays the golden eggs. And now we realize direct from the heart that the American bases are truly a better proposition than anything else. With China displaying its strength in the Scarborough Shoal, it is apparent that the Filipinos like it better the presence of the American power in our midst. Now we can see it and really feel the need of assistance from the U.S.A.

Notwithstanding the heartaches felt by the Americans when the bases were removed from our country, its commitment of friendship and assistance remains strong and determined. As usual, it looks at the Philippines as a great ally worthy of help anytime necessary. So when asked for assistance, the U.S.A. emerged from behind us to push us up into the arena of power.

It is friendship that makes the U.S.A. willing and able to rally behind our country. The Americans declared its relentless commitment to the Philippines and has even declared it will move a sizeable portion of its military to the Pacific to watch the activities of the Chinese in the disputed Scarborough Shoal. So be it our friends ever since, the Americans are behind us ready to die for our cause.

The Americans came to our aids during World War II, gave us so many opportunities by way of financial assistance, and many other things. Now they are still with us ready to help whatever is necessary. The Philippines should improve its ugly behavior towards the Americans sometimes. We must take them as true friends and ally in time of war and in time of peace.