Spratly Islands

Spratly Islands

If the reported agreement between China and the Philippines
for the "common exploration and development" of the disputed
Spratly Islands solidifies, it could have positive implications
for China's relations with the rest of Asia.

In fact, the agreement's significance lies more in the example
it might set -- especially for Vietnam, China's main rival over
the mineral-rich string of atolls and islands commanding vital
shipping lines -- than in its immediate physical application.

This is not to minimize the threat that may have been averted.
But the Philippines was never a major player.

Though they agreed last October to shun the use of force in
border disputes on land and at sea -- in keeping with Beijing's
current policy of freezing contentious issues while improving
bilateral ties -- China and Vietnam have been pressing competing
claims recently in a manner that recalls the 1988 clash.

Neither country has paid much heed to exhortations to show
restraint and seek a peaceful settlement, as recommended by the
1992 Manila Declaration, or to ASEAN's proposals for joint
development of the disputed islands.

The ball is now in ASEAN's court. This is an opportunity to
remove lingering reservations by engaging China more firmly in
the Asia-Pacific region's economic and strategic planning. Deft
diplomacy nearer to home may yet produce a time-bound formula for
the exploration and development of the islands, at the same time
providing for a reduction in forces leading to eventual
demilitarization.

While Asia does not need a war over the Spratlys, the world
may one day need the oil and gas known to lie beneath them.

-- The Straits Times, Singapore