Analyst: China to stick with stance on WPS

West Philippine Sea (PNA Photo)

With the Chinese government granting President Xi Jinping a lifetime rule, a China analyst said that his stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will also stay.

“They would stick with what they’ve already done with their stance [in the West Philippine Sea],” Aaron Jed Rabena, an analyst at Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress said in an interview with Rappler.

On March 11, the Chinese parliament allowed Xi to rule for life, as long as he gets to be elected every five years. Rabena noted that this limitless chance to presidency came from his leadership and rule working – in which according to him, Xi was able to punish 1.

5 million “tigers and flies” under his administration.

Furthermore, Rabena also said that China’s moves are “strategic” in the sense that they want other countries to see their political values.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte drew flak from his statement on the joint exploration of Philippine and China in the WPS after he mentioned “co-ownership.

”

“I think what he’s trying to say is that he wants cooperation… compromise,” Rabena explained Duterte’s words, adding that there is no better legal term to use yet.

He, however, said that the Philippines should have more teeth in the matters about the WPS despite China’s strategic partnership.

“We have seen tension de-escalate but at the same time, there is always room for improvement. What we see right now is that overall relations have gone forward, trade has increased with tourism from China. But then we also see sometimes the presence of underdog statements [from the Philippine government],” Rabena said.

“We could learn from our neighbors – other South China Sea claimants,” he added.

Rabena also reminded that the Philippines should be more active. More than just talks, monitoring vessels can be sent to the waters, according to him.

“We should always be vigilant if they would like to do some marine scientific research. They should seek permission. It should be with our participation,” the analyst stated.