Why the behemoth is unfazed

By Alex P. Vidal 

“Bullying happens at all ages and levels.” — Ralph Macchio

WE may wonder why China hasn’t stopped flexing its muscles in the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after all the negative publicity it received for harassing our vessels these past months.

The good news is we have the “full” support of all the major countries that have denounced China’s bullying tactics led by the United States.

The bad news is China will not stop. It appears China has no appetite to slow down or even retreat in this “fight.” For China, the South China Sea standoff can be worth fighting for.

China thinks it has proven that it can outmaneuver its adversaries in economic and sports supremacy and, thus, it has no reason to retreat and turn tale despite the global pressure.

For instance, it nearly bundled out the superpower in sports, the United States, in the recently held 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

If not for the eleventh-hour heroics of the US women’s soccer team, China would have toppled the US in the race for overall medal tally.

“Who me? Afraid of the US?”

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This analysis came as US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Tuesday condemned China’s “deliberate collision” with two Philippine coastguard vessels this week near the disputed Sabina Shoal during a call with his counterpart in Manila citing “continued historic momentum” in the US-Philippine relationship.

Sullivan and National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año also discussed the recently announced US$500 million in American foreign military financing under the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act aimed at helping modernize the Philippines’ armed forces and coastguard, the White House said.

“Sullivan reiterated the ironclad US commitment to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft – to include those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea,” the White House added.

The display of US support follows accusations by Beijing that the Philippines, not China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), caused an intentional collision and that the island nation engaged in “unprofessional and dangerous” behavior in the South China Sea recently.

Beijing also accused the Philippines of flying an espionage drone in the waters near Sabina Shoal to “carry out photographic reconnaissance against the Chinese side”.

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The United States Government announced it celebrated World Humanitarian Day to honor the daily sacrifice of all humanitarian aid workers who work in some of the world’s toughest places, often at great risk to their own safety, to provide aid and relief to the world’s most vulnerable and desperate populations this week.

The United States honors their dedication, compassion, and humanity.

“Humanitarian crises continue to put far too many people in harm’s way and humanitarian work remains critical to respond to this deepening plight, even as it becomes more dangerous,” announced the US Department of State.

Last year, 280 humanitarian aid workers were killed while selflessly caring for others, capping the deadliest year ever for humanitarians.

“The United States is dedicated to addressing humanitarian crises and helping to resolve conflicts through coordinated international responses and diplomatic engagement,” it added.

“We encourage donors to contribute more and invite new partners to join us in meeting the needs of the moment. We also demand immediate, safe, and unhindered access for humanitarian workers across conflict lines, so they can reach those who need help the most without interference.”

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The New York-based Damayan Migrant Workers Association will hold a Damayan Free Health Screening on August 24 in front of Amazing Grace in Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside, Queens. Damayan will also provide free primary care consultations, blood pressure and glucose screenings, referrals for mental health and sign ups for mobile mammogram on November 10…The Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York has invited everyone to the 2024 Sinehan sa Konsulado (SSK) from August 27 to 29, six o’clock in the evening at the New York University, King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center (KJCC), 53 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012. This year’s SSK will feature a special lineup of films: Day 1: José Rizal (Digitally restored and remastered) This screening has already reached maximum capacity. Additional seats will not be guaranteed. Day 2: The Atom Araullo Specials: Pag-asa. Day 3: I-Witness: Ang Huling Katipunero – Macario Sakay by Howie Severino and I-Witness Hinabing Pag-asa by Kara David

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)