The South China Sea is one of the most controversial spots in Asia. Philippines won arbitration case vs China last week. The conflict seems to be over. It is said that the offshore areas in the South China Sea have a lot of resources.
China and the Philippines agreed to Memorandum of Understanding on oil and gas cooperation. This arrangement is beneficial for Philippines. The Philippines are thinking about it as safeguard to protect its sovereignty in it.
Antonio Carpio, Senior Associate Justice, says to the GMA NEWS
“The good thing there, since we’re using the service contract as a vehicle, then that recognizes that the area being explored or exploited belongs to the Philippines, either EEZ or within our jurisdiction. Because the service contract acknowledges that area is under the sovereign rights of the Philippines.”
On the contrary, Philippine fishermen protested against the government. They think that the countries occupy the sea, so they will be excluded from it.
Who have the sea?
The agreement may lead the Philippines to success of trading through the South China Sea. However, we need to understand and do not forget the people cried.
