Research Final
THE IMPLICATIONS OF CHINA’S NAVAL MODERNIZATION AND GROWING PRESENCE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON PHILIPPINES-CHINA RELATIONS A PHILIPPINE PERSPECTIVE
By
Martin S. Adalem III
Tom Lance G. Angeles
March 2013
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
China’s economy is currently the second largest in the world. With its continued economic growth and development, some people believe that there is a possibility for China to overtake the United States as the world’s largest economy.
However, because of its rapid growth, many countries are starting to question China’s increasingly significant role in the international world order, as well as its impact on regional and international peace, security, and stability. This is primarily due to the fact that in line with its economic growth and development, China has also been increasing its defense budget and modernizing its military capabilities. China understands that in order to safeguard its national interests, it needs to build a stronger national defense.
According to China’s National Defense in 2010, China is pursuing a national defense policy which is defensive in nature. (State Council Information Office [SCIO], 2011a) This defense-oriented policy, according to the white paper, is “determined by China’s development path, its fundamental aims, its foreign policy, and its historical and cultural traditions. (SCIO, 2011a)
Specifically, the white paper states that:
“China unswervingly advances its reform and opening up as well as socialist modernization, making use of the peaceful international environment for its own development which in return will contribute to world peace. China unswervingly pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and promotes friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China unswervingly maintains its fine cultural traditions and its belief in valuing peace above all else, advocating the settlement of disputes through
By
Martin S. Adalem III
Tom Lance G. Angeles
March 2013
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
China’s economy is currently the second largest in the world. With its continued economic growth and development, some people believe that there is a possibility for China to overtake the United States as the world’s largest economy.
However, because of its rapid growth, many countries are starting to question China’s increasingly significant role in the international world order, as well as its impact on regional and international peace, security, and stability. This is primarily due to the fact that in line with its economic growth and development, China has also been increasing its defense budget and modernizing its military capabilities. China understands that in order to safeguard its national interests, it needs to build a stronger national defense.
According to China’s National Defense in 2010, China is pursuing a national defense policy which is defensive in nature. (State Council Information Office [SCIO], 2011a) This defense-oriented policy, according to the white paper, is “determined by China’s development path, its fundamental aims, its foreign policy, and its historical and cultural traditions. (SCIO, 2011a)
Specifically, the white paper states that:
“China unswervingly advances its reform and opening up as well as socialist modernization, making use of the peaceful international environment for its own development which in return will contribute to world peace. China unswervingly pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and promotes friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China unswervingly maintains its fine cultural traditions and its belief in valuing peace above all else, advocating the settlement of disputes through
References: Overview of China-Philippines Bilateral Relations. (2009, March 5). Retrieved from Embassy of the People 's Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines: http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/zfgx/zzgx/t180703.htm China sends first oceangoing patrol vessel to South China Sea. (2012, Decemeber 27). Retrieved from Ministry of Defense of the People 's Republic of China: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/DefenseNews/2012-12/27/content_4424258.htm DM defends China 's South China Sea drones. (2012, September 28). Retrieved from Ministry of Defense of the People 's Republic of China: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/Press/2012-09/28/content_4402653.htm Scarborough Shoal Standoff: A Timeline. (2012, May 9). Retrieved from Inquirer Global Nation: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/36003/scarborough-shoal-standoff-a-historicaltimeline Timeline: Disputes in the South China Sea. (2012, June 8). Retrieved October 10, 2012, from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/special/south-china-sea-timeline/index.html Timeline: South China Sea dispute. (2012, April 26). Retrieved October 10, 2012, from SINA.COM: http://english.sina.com/china/2012/0426/462194.html Chinese navy depart for West Pacific training. (2013, January 31). Retrieved from Ministry of Defense of the People 's republic of China: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/MilitaryExercises/2013-01/31/content_4431070.htm -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. An EEZ is a maritime zone stretching up to 200 kilometeres from the coast that t=supports the coastal state’s claims to the resources there.