Rising tensions involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is a bigger flashpoint for an armed conflict in the region than a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, according to Philippine ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
“The real flashpoint is in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez was quoted saying in a recent speaking engagement with the Consular Corps of the Philippines. His comments came amid increased anxiety over the latest maritime incidents in WPS also known as South China Sea.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue in Taiwan, Romualdez believes a Chinese takeover there is a “calculated risk” that President Xi Jinping would only act when he is “absolutely sure” of military success.
“Deterrence is the only way to stop them from going into that kind of situation. So, we’re hoping that every morning when President Xi wakes up, he’s going to say, ‘Today’s not the day’,” the Filipino diplomat said in a report published by GMA Integrated News.
Romualdez was bothered by latest reports involving Chinese ships and Philippine patrols, including a laser-pointing incident, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these challenges. He said these were the problems that made him and other government officials sleepless, including President Marcos.
He emphasized the potential for “one major accident” triggering the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US, potentially escalating the situation. Despite the tensions, Romualdez reiterated that diplomacy remains the best approach to prevent the conflict from escalating.
