ITLOS ruling vs China's claim - Integral Studies of Inner SciencesIntegral Studies of Inner Sciences

ITLOS ruling vs China’s claim

Commentary: Since the ITLOS’ declaration that it has juridiction over the Philippines’ maritime dispute case with China‘s nine-dash line claim, my prediction is that the coming resolution of the arbitration will be finally announced in favor of the Philippines.

See The second scenario proposed by Justice Carpio will be the ruling by ITLOS

Contents in this issue:
ITLOS ruling vs China’s claim
China’s Xi Jinping stresses South China Sea claims
China’s struggle for recognition
War in Scarborough Shoal?
US military units to stay for South China Sea patrols
South China Sea Watch News Updates
West Philippine Sea News Updates
Ourgeography Facebook Page
Rodrigo Duterte News Updates
Philippine News Updates
UPDATES on South China Sea News between Philippines vs China
Ricardo B Serrano’s videos and commentaries

Arbitration Ruling

The verdict: Philippines wins arbitration case vs China

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE 2) — The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) under the United Nations ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case against China over the South China Sea.

The Hague-based international tribunal ruled that China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters is invalid.

“[A]s between the Philippines and China, China’s claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the ‘nine-dash line’ are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention,” the award read.

The international tribunal found that it has jurisdiction to consider the dispute between the Philippines and China concerning historic rights and the source of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.

The tribunal pointed out that there was no evidence that China has exercised exclusive control over the disputed waters or its resources.

“The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the nine-dash line,” the PCA said in a press release issued on Tuesday.

The arbitral tribunal also ruled that the features occupied by China in the Spratly Islands are not capable of generating maritime zones as the reefs have been heavily modified by reclamation and construction.

“Having found that none of the features claimed by China was capable of generating an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Tribunal found that it could—without delimiting a boundary—declare that certain sea areas are within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, because those areas are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China,” the PCA statement read.

The PCA found that China violated the Philippines’s sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone by:

interfering with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration
constructing artificial islands
failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone

The international tribunal also held that China interfered with the rights of Filipino fishermen by restricting access at Scarborough Shoal.

“Tribunal also found that Chinese authorities were aware that Chinese fishermen have harvested endangered sea turtles, coral, and giant clams on a substantial scale in the South China Sea (using methods that inflict severe damage on the coral reef environment) and had not fulfilled their obligations to stop such activities,” the tribunal said.

The tribunal found that China’s massive land reclamation activities in the region aggravated the dispute as it has inflicted irreparable harm to the marine environment and built an artificial island in the Philippines’s EEZ.

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Pacific News Minute: International Court Set to Rule on Rival Claims in the South China Sea

The second scenario proposed by Justice Carpio will be the ruling by ITLOS.

Second scenario

In the second scenario, which Carpio calls the best for the Philippines, the Tribunal declares the Nine-Dash-Line void; Itu Aba does not generate an EEZ; confirms the status of LTEs identified by the Philippines; Scarborough Shoal generates only a territorial sea which is a traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen.

Ramifications for these include in the northern sector, the Philippines has a full 200 nautical EEZ excluding the territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal; Filipino fishermen can exclusively fish within this EEZ; within the territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishermen can also fish together with Chinese fishermen;

In the southern sector, Palawan has a full 200 nautical mile EEZ, excluding the territorial seas around the islands/high tide elevations in the Spratlys;

LTEs within the Philippines EEZ, like Mischief Reef, and LTEs within the Philippines’ ECS (extended continental shelf), like Subi Reef, form part of the country’s submerged continental shelf; and only the nation can erect structures on such LTEs;

Maritime space under dispute between the Philippines and China is reduced from over 531,000 square kilometers to just about 1,551 square kilometers of territorial sea around every Spratly island/high tide elevation and Scarborough Shoal;

China is not expected to comply with the Tribunal’s ruling unless there is a strong world opinion that forces China to comply, and the Chinese people realize their historic claim has no basis.

To preserve the Philippine advantage, Carpio said the country should still conduct educational/media campaign worldwide stressing that the Nine-Dash-Line cannot be a source of maritime claims per ruling of the Tribunal;

Diplomatic campaign in the UN/ASEAN/EU/worldwide to demand that China comply with the Tribunal’s ruling and abandon the Nine-Dash Line as a claim to maritime zones; cite Taiwan’s position;

Delimit with Malaysia the EEZ/ECS boundary in the southern sector; the Sabah claim is not affected;

Delimit with Vietnam the ECS boundary in the southern sector.

3 possible scenarios as PHL awaits resolution of arbitration case vs China — Justice Carpio

SC justice sees Philippine victory vs China on maritime claim

Amid warnings from the United States and the European Union over the international court case filed by the Philippines, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei repeated China’s opposition to the arbitration case and refusal to participate.

See PHL ‘scheme would never succeed,’ says China amid US, EU warning

US expects China, Philippines to abide by UN rulling

US, EU warn China on need to respect South China Sea ruling on dispute with PHL

The United States and the European Union warned China on Wednesday (February 18, 2016) that it should respect an international court ruling expected later this year on its dispute with the Philippines over territory in the South China Sea.

China claims virtually all the South China Sea and rejects the authority of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague hearing the dispute, even though Beijing has ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on which the case is based.

Amy Searight, US deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia, said the United States, the European Union, and allies like Australia, Japan and South Korea must be ready to make clear that the court’s ruling must be binding and that there would be costs to China for not respecting it if it lost the case.

“We need to be ready to be very loud and vocal, in harmony together, standing behind the Philippines and the rest of the ASEAN claimants to say that this is international law, this is incredibly important, it is binding on all parties,” she told a seminar at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Searight said the message to China, if it did not respect a negative ruling, should be, “we will hold you accountable.”

“Certainly, reputational cost is at stake, but we can think of other creative ways to perhaps impose costs as well,” she said without elaborating.

The Hague tribunal has no powers of enforcement and its rulings have been ignored before. Manila has said the court may hand down a ruling before May.

See US, EU warn China on need to respect South China Sea ruling on dispute with PHL

The Philippines on Monday (February 28, 2016) urged China, as a responsible member of the international community, to respect a forthcoming ruling by an arbitration court in the Hague on a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

See PHL asks China to respect outcome of arbitration in territorial dispute
South China Sea dispute: What happens when the Philippines wins?
Palace rejects anew Beijing’s call for bilateral talks over sea dispute
US urges ASEAN unity on South China Sea ruling; warns China on reputation
China warns ‘negative consequences’ if PHL wins arbitration case
RP Candidates on China
Pacific News Minute: International Court Set to Rule on Rival Claims in the South China Sea
South China Sea War: UK, US Side With Philippines As China Lands Fighter Jet On Fiery Reef
CHINA, OBVIOUS BA? | The first foreign policy issue the next president must address
Britain aligns with US on response to South China Sea case
Britain says South China Sea arbitration ruling must be binding
Aquino creates new task force to protect West Philippine Sea
China’s airfields on Spratlys meant for fighter jets – US
‘Philippines waiting peacefully for decision on arbitration case’
Analyst: Manila vs Beijing ruling to affect nations with similar claims
Court verdict looms in Philippines v China dispute in South China Sea
Analyst: Philippines vs China arbitration case will not solve sea dispute
First round of oral arguments in PHL vs. China case at The Hague
Tribunal sets 2nd round of PH arguments
Summary of int’l tribunal’s decision taking jurisdiction of PHL case vs. China
Key points of the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision in PH vs China case
Int’l tribunal takes jurisdiction of PHL case versus China
ARBITRATION 101: PHILIPPINES V. CHINA

If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed. - Adolf Hitler

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (November 7, 2015) repeated his country’s uncompromising claims to the South China Sea but pledged that it would not “bully” its weaker neighbours. The comments by Xi were in line with China’s oft-stated position but come as Beijing’s assertiveness in the strategic waterway has raised concerns of potential future conflict.

“Let me make this clear: The South China Sea islands have been China’s territory since ancient times,” Xi said in a speech during a visit to Singapore. “It is the bounded duty of the Chinese government to uphold China’s territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime right and interests.”

China has long laid verbal claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, but in recent years has moved to back that up. It is now using land reclamation to expand previously insignificant sea features into full-fledged islands and further underpin its claims. China’s neighbours have said the actions violate a regional code among the rival claimants against taking actions that upset the status quo.

Xi said some “Chinese” islands are currently being “occupied” by other countries, but vowed that China’s intentions were peaceful. “What we in China believe… is that the strong and rich should not bully the weak and poor,” he said.

He added that “China will continue to seek resolution of the disputes through negotiation and consultation”. The United States has warned that China’s actions could threaten freedom of navigation in a body of water that is vital for world trade. On October 27, the US Navy sent a destroyer on a sail-by near the site of one of the man-made islands to assert its right to free passage, drawing an angry response from China’s foreign ministry.

“There has never been any problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight, nor will there ever be any in the future because China needs unimpeded commerce through these waters more than anyone else,” Xi said. He added that “non-Asian countries should understand and respect this and play a constructive role”, an apparent reference to the United States.

Xi is in Singapore for a state visit that suddenly took on new significance when it was announced last week that he would meet Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou while in the city-state. It will be the first meeting between leaders of the two sides since their bitter split in 1949 at the end of the Chinese civil war, which was won by Mao Zedong’s Communists.

See China’s Xi Jinping stresses South China Sea claims, but won’t ‘bully’ neighbours
Why Xi is Purging the Chinese Military
China Outlines Plan for Military Buildup on Disputed Island

China’s struggle for recognition

WHAT WOULD you do if you were the richest person in your community and you have issues with your neighbors on property rights?

If you are emotionally stable or do not have a chip on your shoulder, you will reach out to them to come up with a win-win solution to your conflict.

If you are emotionally challenged or harbor feelings of insecurity, you will perform acts that show your superiority or your neighbors’ weakness in relation to your strength. Like a bully, you may even use force or intimidation to “persuade” them to give in to your demands in deference to your high standing in the community.

This is exactly how China, the richest economy in the region (and the second largest in the world), has been acting in recent years in relation to some of its neighbors.

Invoking historical rights, China has claimed ownership over practically the entire South China Sea, including a number of shoals, reefs and islands, to the exclusion of other countries that, under the rules of international law, are entitled to certain economic rights over them.

After seizing some shoals and islands that lie within the exclusive economic zone or territory of the Philippines and Vietnam, respectively, China recently encroached into Indonesian and Malaysian waters. It justified the intrusion of its fishermen with the claim that those areas have been their “traditional fishing grounds.”

Although a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), China refuses to abide with its provisions on the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes among its signatories.

China wants direct negotiations on those issues with the other countries that have territorial claims in the South China Sea; it does not want those countries to seek relief from Unclos or any other international institution. The subliminal message of China’s demand is, as the “overlord” in this part of the world, it has the right to decide on the manner by which conflicts in the area should be resolved.

If a third party—especially a body organized under the auspices of the United Nations or the Western powers—steps into the picture, China is aware that it would be unable to influence the proceedings or decision and possibly lose. That would be bad for its image and prestige.

China’s recent announcement that it would create a maritime court to hear and decide on maritime disputes in the region lends credence to its feeling of insecurity.

The humiliation of seeing parts of its territory under foreign control in the past is still imbedded in China’s consciousness, and it is apprehensive (or paranoid) about the “foreign devils” (as it describes its former colonizers) conspiring to prevent or contain it from becoming a superpower.

It also appears disconcerted by the fact that, in spite of its economic and military might, many of its neighbors continue to hold the United States or Japan in high esteem, sometimes at its expense.

American influence in social and political activities remains strong in Asia despite reduced US presence and China’s emergence as an economic power. China’s erstwhile war enemy, Japan, whose geographical size and economy are comparably smaller, continues to be looked up to by many Asian countries as a model for inclusive economic growth.

With the United States and Japan still looming large in Asia, the most populous, richest and militarily-strongest nation in the region has been reduced to “pygmy status” in terms of political and social leadership in its own neighborhood.

To date, only three countries in Southeast Asia—Laos, Cambodia and Burma (Myanmar)—defer to and treat China as “Big Brother” on significant economic and military matters. This behavior does not come us a surprise because China has given (and continues to give) them massive financial assistance to help develop their economy and military. The additional payback for the dole is their willingness to act as China’s surrogates or defenders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations when its interests are threatened.

For economic reasons, Indonesia and Malaysia have adopted a neutral attitude vis-à-vis China in connection with territorial disputes in the South China Sea. And why not? They are profiting immensely from their trade with China and its assistance to their infrastructure projects.

Unless China learns to respect Indonesia’s and Malaysia’s maritime rights, it may find itself with the same strained relations that presently characterize its ties with the Philippines and Vietnam.

If China thinks gunboat diplomacy, the strategy of subjugation used by its former colonizers, will serve its interests, it is totally wrong. The world has turned around many times since and replicating that approach today can lead to disastrous results.

There is still a long way to go before China can accomplish its dream to be recognized and treated as a superpower, at least in this part of the world.

See China’s struggle for recognition
China persists in resolving sea disputes through negotiation
West PH Sea arbitration illegal, invalid: Chinese Foreign Ministry
China trains ‘fishing militia’ to sail into disputed waters
The Philippines at Forefront of New Pentagon Maritime Security Initiative
New Maritime Awareness Project Kicks Off With South China Sea Discussion
South China Sea’s emerging security alliance

War in Scarborough Shoal?

The announcement that there will be joint US-Philippine patrols in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is the result of China’s plan to build a base in the Scarborough Shoal located only 123 miles from the Philippine island of Luzon.

US Senator John McCain, chair of the US Senate armed services committee believes that China’s plan to build on Scarborough is meant to secure existing gains in the region and pursue new forms of coercion. In a recent op-ed published in the London based Financial Times, McCain said: “This [plan] could include further reclamation and militarization at strategic locations such as Scarborough Shoal, attempts to expel another country from a disputed territory, or the declaration of an Air Defense Identification Zone in all or part of the South China Sea.”

There is a report that Secretary of State John Kerry raised the issue of Chinese activities in the Scarborough shoal during a recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington D.C. According to the report, Wang told Kerry that Chinese expansion in the Scarborough would take place.

China’s plans for the Scarborough shoals were actually confirmed when a Chinese website posted a detailed dredging plan for Scarborough including a runway, power systems, residences and harbor capable of supporting Chinese navy warships. I have seen the graphic of the website. The airport and runway are on the northern end of the proposed artificial island. There is also a water treatment plant with three Chinese guided missile frigates at a wharf at the southern opening of the Shoal.

One of the first to voice concern was Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Richardson who told Reuters last month: “I think we see some surface ships activity and those sorts of things, survey type of activity going on. That’s an area of concern…a next possible area of reclamation.”

China’s rapid expansion plan is also in anticipation of an international court’s ruling on the Philippine claim to parts of the Spratlys. The ruling is expected to be in favor of the Philippine claim. China clearly intends to defy any favorable ruling and establish de facto control over disputed territories.

The US-Philippine joint patrols now bring to the forefront another hot button issue. If Philippine naval vessels and personnel are attacked by Chinese maritime vessels, will the United States actively support and protect those Philippine vessels and personnel?

China has accused the United States and the Philippines of starting a new Cold War. This argument is clearly disingenuous. China’s territorial aggressions and its refusal to follow international rule of law has triggered this renewal of Cold War mentality. Hopefully, this cold war will not lead to a “hot war” especially over the Scarborough Shoal and Philippine territory.

See War in Scarborough Shoal?
SUCCESSFUL SIGNALING AT SCARBOROUGH SHOAL?
South China Sea Watch: Will China build on disputed shoal?
U.S. senators propose bill to help Pacific allies counter China
Pentagon Warns of Conflict Over Chinese Buildup on Disputed Island
US solons call for more naval operations in South China Sea
Air patrols embolden fishermen to return to Scarborough Shoal
China renews claim on Scarborough shoal
Aussies affirm stand vs China
U.S. Sees New Flashpoint in South China Sea Dispute
Air patrol near Panatag part of US-Phl pact
China to build up atoll in contested South China Sea, source says
Palace to China: Philippines not ‘politically arrogant’
PHL not pressuring China over sea disputes arbitration: Palace official
5 Chinese coast guard ships spotted in Scarborough shoal
Context of tension
US seeks China guarantee: Don’t militarize South China Sea
China should confirm plans on military planes in Spratlys — US
China Outlines Plan for Military Buildup on Disputed Island
John McCain is done pussyfooting around with China
China warned vs making ‘very provocative’ step

US military units to stay for South China Sea patrols — Pentagon chief

“The case brought by the Philippines is nothing but a political farce under the cloak of law. … It is a grave threat to regional peace and stability.” — Ouyang Yujing, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, referring to the case filed at the UN Court of Arbitration.

See SOUTH CHINA SEA WATCH: China starts drills, showcases isles

“No matter how many and how frequently U.S. ships come to the South China Sea, that would not change the fact that the islands and adjacent islands are China’s inherent territory, it would not stop the pace of China’s growth and development and even more it would not shake the will of the People’s Liberation Army in resolutely safeguarding the sovereignty and security of China.” — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Wu Qian.

See South China Sea Watch: Will China build on disputed shoal?

“The United States and Vietnam share the interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region. So do China. But its massive land reclamation project in the South China Sea and increasing militarization of these outposts fuel regional tension and raise serious questions about China’s intentions.” — U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking on a visit to Hanoi.

See SOUTH CHINA SEA WATCH: Tussle over plane; Russia backs China

“At present, the situation in the South China Sea is stable overall due to the common efforts of China and relevant regional countries. China resolutely opposes any country harming China’s sovereignty and security and sabotaging peace and stability in the South China Sea under any conditions.” — Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

See South China Sea watch: US, China build up presence, rhetoric

West Philippine Sea Updates

Visit Ourgeography Facebook Page for News updates

Rodrigo Duterte News Updates

See Washington extends hand to Duterte, praises Philippine democracy
Duterte’s transition team bares 8-point economic plan
Robredo is it – Cayetano
What the new Philippine president-elect means for hostages held by Abu Sayyaf
Indians warned: No more ‘5-6’
Duterte camp announces members of Transition Committee
US keen to work with next Philippine leader
Duterte seeks broad coalition to pursue agenda
Laviña says Duterte camp preparing transition of government
Spokesman clarifies Duterte’s plans for curfew, liquor ban
PNP chief, AFP believe there won’t be mass killing under Duterte
Poe wants Duterte’s support for anti-drug wiretap bill
Duterte calls for summit to solve South China Sea spat
Duterte sounds call for national healing, offers hand to presidential rivals
US must follow Philippines’ lead in EDCA: Duterte
Joma to president Duterte: ‘Let’s talk peace’
Ex-INC minister gets refugee status in Canada

UPDATES on South China Sea News between Philippines, US-Alliance vs China:

See China using ‘coercive tactics’ in South China Sea — Pentagon
China to reject arbitration ruling on disputed sea
France, Phl ink defense cooperation pact
Philippines, France sign arrangement for defense cooperation
BRP Tarlac now inside Philippine territory – Navy
US freedom of navigation in South China Sea not an act of provocation: White House
China’s stance over South China Sea dispute never to change, says foreign minister
Australia defends U.S. in latest South China Sea dispute
US, China, Europe look forward to working with Duterte
China says US patrols justify defensive deployments
China scrambles fighters as US sails warship near disputed Kagitingan reef
Obama’s South China Sea Strategy Is Working
US warship challenges China restrictions in disputed sea
China scrambles fighters as U.S. sails warship near Chinese-claimed reef
U.S. sails warship near Chinese-claimed reef in South China Sea
Taiwanese group intervenes in PH arbitral case vs China
Taiwan enters S. China Sea legal fray, as group seeks to sway international court
Dangerous rocks in the South China Sea
China persists in resolving sea disputes through negotiation
China’s military base-building in South China Sea totally unlawful
China’s military base-building in South China Sea totally unlawful
Dangerous rocks in the South China Sea
US must follow Philippines’ lead in EDCA: Duterte
South China Sea dispute: What happens when the Philippines wins?
Navy’s new strategic sealift vessel undergoes sea trials
Chinese envoy demands US, UK to stop meddling in sea dispute
China to carry out more military drills in South China Sea
Japan to lease 5 warplanes to PH
Japan agrees to lease military aircraft to Philippines
Japan stresses rule of law in disputed sea
Settle sea row peacefully, US urges parties
China warns ‘negative consequences’ if PHL wins arbitration case
US challenges 13 states’ sea claims
Japan warship docks in Subic Bay as sea row with China festers
US freedom of navigation ops targeted China, 12 other countries last year – Pentagon
Japan says China’s maritime expansion making the world ‘greatly worried’
PH fishermen put up fight vs China
US to China: Resolve sea row peacefully
5 Chinese coast guard ships spotted in Scarborough shoal
China defiant on missile tests
China’s island-building in the South China Sea is ruffling feathers worldwide
China hoping for ‘well-thought policies’ from new Philippine president
In China’s shadow, Southeast Asia looks to replace aging fighter jets
China could build nuclear plants for South China Sea, paper says
U.S. says China’s intentions in South China Sea raise tension and questions
6 US aircraft conduct first post-Balikatan ‘flight out’
PH: Chinese military plane landing on Spratlys airstrip ‘provocative’
Backed Into A Corner: Friendless Beijing Seeks Moscow’s Support In South China Sea
US to sail submarine drones in South China Sea
US and PH forces to conduct more joint sea and air patrols in the West Philippine Sea
US Navy’s new drone warship looks like a Philippine fishing boat
US to give PHL observation blimp to track activity in disputed seas
KAGITINGAN REEF | Chinese military aircraft makes first public landing on disputed island
Palace: China misreading PH-US military exercises
LOOK: US and PH defense chiefs visit South China Sea
Carter: US ‘standing up’ for countries in territorial disputes with China
PH-US defense chiefs briefed on West Philippine Sea
US defense chief visits aircraft carrier in South China Sea
Palace defends PHL’s joint patrols with US in disputed sea
US vows support for allies in Asia
‘US to support Phl vs coercion, intimidation’ Ash Carter visits warship in Spratlys
US defense chief to visit carrier in disputed South China Sea
US fires long-range missiles in Balikatan war games
China’s Plan B: Binay-Bongbong
Carter bares sustained Philippines-US maritime patrols
US presence expected to deter ‘uncalled for’ Chinese actions – Gazmin
South China Sea’s emerging security alliance
China Outlines Plan for Military Buildup on Disputed Island
US to rotate more aircraft, troops through Philippines
US military units to stay for South China Sea patrols — Pentagon chief
Joint PHL-US patrols in South China Sea started in March
AFP mulls acquisition of US rocket launchers
US general on plans to help improve 5 bases: PH territorial defense will be boosted
Pentagon chief: China’s South China Sea behavior is self-isolating
Philippines restarting upgrade of airfield in Pagasa Island – report
Beijing summons G7 envoys over South China Sea statement
PH, Vietnam eye war games, joint sea patrol
China prefers a Filipino president that would withdraw the West Phil. Sea claim
PHL envoy hopes tribunal win will prod China to settle disputes in diplomatic manner
PH, Vietnam to explore joint patrols in S. China Sea: sources
American forces to gain access to more PHL bases
US providing PH with reconnaissance platform, maritime sensors
US defense chief visits Philippines amid sea dispute with China
China respecting Tribunal verdict or be pictured as ‘rogue nation’
Beijing angry over G7 statement on sea row
China warned vs making ‘very provocative’ step
Eye on China, US and Philippines Ramp Up Military Alliance
PHL powerless vs. China attempt to reclaim Scarborough Shoal, envoy admits
PH diplomat to China: Don’t turn shoal into island
Philippines welcome G7 stand on maritime security in South China Sea boosts PHL’s hopes of peaceful resolution
G7 calls for restraint in Asian maritime disputes
China tensions top agenda as Pentagon chief heads to Asia
China opens new lighthouse on contested South China Sea reef
Vietnam seizes Chinese oil tanker – state media
Japanese warships in Philippines near disputed waterway
Indonesia demands ‘bully’ China hand over fishing boat
PH, US hold war games as China flexes muscles

Ricardo B Serrano’s videos on EDCA and sea dispute between Philippines and China:

See my commentaries, news and updates at:

Philippines in ITLOS vs China
SC: EDCA is constitutional
US-Alliance Vs China (Updates)
China vs US Alliance in West PH Sea
China’s West PH Sea Karmic Repercussions
Blockades by China to follow in West PH Sea
United, we will win vs China
China’s ADIZ in West PH Sea
VFA/EDCA needed to defend West PH Sea
China vs Philippines Ayungin Standoff
CCP, an outlaw vs US Alliance
US-Asia Pacific Alliance vs China
US, Philippines and Japan vs China
Our Geography is our Destiny

My predictions twelve months ago:
I personally believe that the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of EDCA to support President Aquino’s primary constitutional duty to serve and protect the people, promote national security, upgrade the AFP’s military facilities and preposition defense assets, and improve the military’s capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

By next year or so, I believe that China will establish an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the West Philippine Sea where they are building a naval base with airstrip now at Kagitingan Reef in the Spratly islands, and where the war will be between China and the US Alliance (Vietnam, Australia, US, Japan and other claimants).

“I believe that regardless of a favorable outcome of the Philippine’s memorial submission to ITLOS, China will still use threats of force, intimidation, coercion and gunboat diplomacy because China will disregard the arbitration outcome and a tribunal can’t stop China from bullying its neighbors posing a complicated challenge to the region’s peace and security unless a necessary boost in military hardware upgrade capability in the Philippines is attained together with a US asia-pacific alliance, sanctions and a strong international support to militarily confront or deter China’s armed invasion collectively thereby upholding the rule of international law, unimpeded trade and freedom of navigation. What other viable peaceful options do we have to resolve China’s fanatical expansion agenda with invasive armed aggression?

With China’s disregard to UN arbitration and international law’s UNCLOS by its illegal declaration of sovereignty to all of South China Sea with its unilateral attempts to assert its bogus 9-dash line claims through its show of intimidation or force in the Philippines and Vietnam, will the group of G-7 still remain silent to China’s military intentions or act on its mandate to oppose China’s actions now?

Since the problem is a state of unpreparedness – the lack of military capability of the AFP now, I believe that a viable alternative or contingency measure to the current sea dispute situation between China and the Philippines would be for the G-7 allies to provide the AFP with the necessary training and credible number of military hardware such as warships, missiles, fighter planes, and drones, on loans, to counter Chinese invasion of Philippine reefs and shoals.

Well trained and credible armed Filipino soldiers have done their own fighting before against internal terrorists, in the Korean war and in WW2 and as first defenders before other nations will intervene, AFP will fight these Chinese invaders and outlaws again with a credible military hardware upgrade to protect its sovereignty and prevent further loss of more rich natural resource Philippine territories to China.”

China keeps on saying that ASEAN claimants must adhere to the Code of Conduct (COC) but at the same time China simply violates that rule and says that it has the right to do whatever it wants in the Spratley’s.

China keeps on building structures and even doing reclamation works despite repeatedly stressing that all claimants must adhere to the COC, which includes stopping any development of any uninhabited area.

In this sense, China is fooling everybody including the US and the global community just like how it stole Mischief Reef.

The Philippines must be reminded of China’s “talk and take strategy”.

It fooled President Noynoy when Noynoy agreed to the withdrawal of ships from Scarborough. Eventually, the Philippine ships were called back to port but the Chinese simply laughed at President Noynoy for believing the Chinese.

Now, that the US has maintained the position of not intervening (unless a war breaks out) then China will probably pursue its objective.

Our only chance is the economic sanctions and making the US and its allies support that sanction. PNoy must work with the US in building a new trade pact that will replace whatever will be lost when we slap China with economic sanctions. Treat ASEAN as one solid economic bloc that will replace the lost Chinese market.

Definitely, we will enforce an enhanced sanction when the UN tribunal announces the decision. Let the US and the rest of the G7 plus EU support that effort.

Traits of the Communist Party – evil, deceit, incitement, unleashing the scum of society, espionage, robbery, fighting, elimination, and control.

One of the greatest threat to freedom and peace facing Asia now is the international outlaw Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Boycoot China made products and buy Philippine made products

5 Reasons why buying Made in China is actually bad for you

West Philippine Dispute Timeline

Panatag Shoal Timeline

West Phillipine Sea Primer

Book proves Scarborough Shoal part of Philippine territory

From my experience as a Classical Chinese medical practitioner for over 30 years, most of my rehabilitation clients who have drug and alcohol addictions also have PTSD, sexual addictions and sexual behavior problems.

Acupuncture, herbs, acupressure with meditation and Qigong instructions have greatly assisted my rehabilitation clients and have been transformed into Self-realized individuals after their rehabilitation through Classical Chinese Medicine. They have tried conventional western therapies without success.

I believe that rehabilitating rather than condemning foreign servicemen who committed sexual crimes in the Philippines is the path to take. Future sexual crimes can be avoided by foreign servicemen through the availability of drug-free natural therapies such as Classical Chinese Medicine with Qigong instructions.

I also believe that EDCA with its implementing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) should be reviewed rather than scrapped because the Philippines needs it to defend West Philippine Sea from China’s creeping incursions in the Philippine territories with joint military capability of US servicemen and military hardware.

Fanaticism and extreme measures by politicians and militants to scrap EDCA with VFA should be discouraged and replaced with common sense and respect for Filipino’s foremost constitutional right in protecting our territorial sovereignty from China’s creeping invasion rather than being fixated in the sexual crime of one US servicemen to a Filipino citizen which should be legally handled solely.

Recycling of sexual energy heals sexual behavior problems

The mind is everything. What you think, you become. - Buddha

Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts. - Buddha

Watch your thoughts, words, actions, habits, character, your destiny. - Lao Tzu

I believe that the root behavioral problem of not only US Marines or any US servicemen but also other male soldiers from other countries doing crimes against women, transgender, bisexual or children is their own unguarded thoughts – that their worst enemy is not their opponent but their own unguarded thoughts.

Recycling of sexual energy (Jing Qi) through meditation and Qigong helps sexual behavior problems and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).

My six books on meditation and Qigong offer a solution to this sexual behavioral problem for healing and spiritual awakening. Peace be with you!

See Soul Affirmation and Meditation on Three Hearts

His seven books covered thoroughly in You Hold the Keys to Healing together with Workshops will show you how to know who you really are thereby healing holistically and returning to oneness. When you experientially know who you really are, the truth will set you free. See Oneness with Shiva

Master Pranic Healer Ricardo B Serrano, R.Ac. integrates pranic healing with Enlightenment Qigong forms, acupuncture, herbs and acupressure. He is a certified Qigong teacher trained by Pan Gu Shen Gong Master Ou Wen Wei, Sheng Zhen Gong Master Li Junfeng, Qi Dao Master Lama Tantrapa, Primordial Wuji Qigong Master Michael Winn, Zhan Zhuang Qigong Master Richard Mooney, Pranic Healing Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, Master Nona Castro and Mang Mike Nator. He is also a certified Merkabah teacher trained by Merkabah Master Alton Kamadon.

Ricardo B Serrano’s Hawaiian Name is Nalani: Nalani means “Serenity Of The Skies” in Hawaiian! You truly are someone who is able to find peace in the small pleasures of everyday life! You don’t take anything for granted and are able to focus your energy on appreciating all you have around you!

His seven books Return to Oneness with Shiva, Return to Oneness with the Tao, Return to Oneness with Spirit, Meditation and Qigong Mastery, Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery, Oneness with Shiva, and The Cure & Cause of Cancer comprise altogether his Master Pranic Healer thesis for the Integral Studies of Inner Sciences.

Meditation and Qigong Books and DVDs to experience healing and spiritual awakening:
Akashic Records Reading with Tao Chang book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050285

Six healing Qigong sounds book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050269

The Meditation and Qigong Mastery book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781901

Return to Oneness with the Tao book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781960

Return to Oneness with Spirit through Pan Gu Shen Gong book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781979

Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery according to the Hathors book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781987

Return to Oneness with Shiva book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050218

Oneness with Shiva book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050226

The Cure & Cause of Cancer book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050234

To order the Maitreya (Shiva) Shen Gong & Omkabah Heart Lightbody Activation DVDs with shipping, cost $60, please click the Paypal button below: