英文摘要 |
In April, 2012, a Philippine Navy surveillance plane spotted eight Chinese fishing vessels anchored in the waters of Scarborough shoal. BRP Gregorio del Pilar was sent by the Philippine Navy to survey the vicinity of the shoal, and confirmed the presence of the fishing vessels and their ongoing activities. On April 10, 2012, BRP Gregorio del Pilar came to inspect the catch of the Chinese fishing vessels but were blocked by Chinese maritime surveillance ships (then became part of China Coast Guard in 2013). Since then, tensions have continued between the two countries. However, the Philippines' responded China's hard approaches with diplomatic ways and took steps based on international law. The Philippines seeks for American and Japanese assistance to involve South China Sea issues, on the other hand, the Philippines government decided to adapt arbitration based on United Nations on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) but Chinese government refused to join the arbitration processes. The Philippines won the media and legal warfare on the SCS issues. This article discusses how the small countries respond strong power to challenge or violate their interests. Balancing or bandwagon is difficult for small countries to choose? What's the purpose of the Philippines brought the SCS arbitration, and after that, what's the Philippines' next policy and is the bandwagon useful for improving China- the Philippines Relationship? |