MEDIA AND THE GLOBAL VILLAGE
Lauren “Luca” Winer, majored in both English and History focusing on the Middle East at the University of Chicago. In addition, she is now the Associate Editor of Michigan Journal of International Law and received her Masters in International Relations at the London School of Economics. Currently, she is now taking up Law at the University of Michigan. However, prior to that, Luca was employed as a financial and political risk analyst. She was also a water rights activist in Amman, Jordan and has an interest in criminal defense. These attainments make her a suitable source regarding the topic.
The article the abovementioned author wrote provided a comprehensive and thorough analysis and discussion regarding the position of the United States on the disputed islands located at the South China Sea. However, she wrote it on a subjective and a prejudiced note as it extinguished any right to pursue another claim. Winer discussed the issue in the perspective of an American public servant whilst presenting China’s fallacious claims and conveying that their assertion of ownership on the islands is not in accordance with the international law and UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). On a side note, the article also showcased examples and speculations that on the whole made it an engrossing look through on the topic. Winer, furthermore, made a reference to the United States-Philippines Mutual Peace Treaty that was ratified in the year 1951 wherein it was stated that the United States will and should support the Philippines in territorial disputes. However, the United States has so far not shown preferential treatment to any of the other claimants. The article is well filled with knowledge and information.
As our time as the next world leaders is fast approaching, I feel that resolutions about such matters should soon be established. However, there are numerous factors that may be involved as preventing and resolving land does not comprise of a single quick solution. Moreover, despite the grand scale at which the Chinese are trying to expand their jurisdiction, their claim on the islands is a broad one. And on a side note, the United States does not acknowledge their claims. As stated in the UNCLOS Provisions Article 56 and 57, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)––the right of a sovereign to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources within; both biotic and abiotic––shall not exceed 200 nautical miles. This is the specific provision China use fraudulently due to not only military reasons, but economic interests as well. China’s viewpoint on the subject should be discussed about.
Generally, citizens may perceive this as a showcase of China’s aggressive expansionist behavior. But the populace cannot be held accountable; especially when on a birds-eye-view China’s actions confirm it with the continuous construction of infastructures, particularly military bases, on the group of islands that are still under discussion and careful deliberation. This maneuver threatens neighboring countries, especially the developing ones. ASEAN has an abundance of soft power but is deficient on the required hard power to counter China. However, invading a country does not align with China’s interest. As Sun Tzu, the author of the Art of War says, “Who wishes to fight must first count the cost.”. And the cost is too high, even for China given the allegiances and other political and economical factors. In addition, as stated in the article, China stated that they are open to the discussion of sharing the islands equally. Furthermore, it can be said that China’s aggressiveness can be explained by the theory of Realism which states that a country only works to increase its own power. For a powerful state will always be capable of outmaneuvering its competitors. China is only being statist; it is looking out for itself, showing self-preservation at a grander collaborative scale. They are merely acknowledging the finite nature of their resources and their large yet fragile economy.
The article presented the possible political, economic, and military views of the states. The disputed islands are strategically placed; making it an attractive price. It is not only a bunk of natural resources but also a tactical location for a military base. Also, on another account, trading routes pass through these islands. In controlling the flow of this, you technically have complete authority over Asia’s energy security.
The discussion concerning the disputed islands has been going on on an immoderate time frame. And with the rapidly growing population and decrease in resources the discussion regarding the topic has been taut. However, consequently, it hampers other pursuits to progress and develop other difficulties as an ASEAN and global nation. People should be willing to reconcile, collaborate, and compromise to the decreed law.
