The Philippines has taken a stand against China’s growing presence in the South China Sea, particularly on the disputed island of Pagasa. With a population of around 300 residents, Pagasa is barely big enough to live on, but it holds significant importance for the Philippines due to its solid land and runway.
China has been expanding its presence in the region, taking over submerged coral reefs, building air bases, and deploying hundreds of ships to reinforce its claims. However, Vietnam and the Philippines have pushed back against China’s dominance, with the latter holding onto a handful of reefs and islands.
Pagasa is unique among these islands as it has a civilian population, making its claims stronger under international law. The island has a runway, supporting life, and a resident Filipino community, which strengthens the Philippine presence.
The Philippines seized Pagasa from Taiwan in 1971 and formally annexed it in 1978. While the government encourages civilians to settle on the island, they face significant challenges, including limited jobs and reliance on government support. The arrival of Chinese flotillas has made fishing a difficult livelihood for locals like Larry Hugo.
Despite these challenges, Pagasa remains a symbol of Philippine resilience against China’s claims. The Philippines has made formal diplomatic protests every week to the Chinese Embassy over the presence of its ships in what the country views as territorial waters.
With the island’s limited capacity and frequent storms, access is often difficult. However, the Philippine government has invested in infrastructure, including a new hangar and control tower, to support military operations on the island. The pilot notes that while China challenges their presence, they respond with assertive diplomacy.
Jonathan Malaya, a senior official, believes that holding ground against China will bring respect from Beijing. He acknowledges the challenge of working with democracies like the Philippines, which can have changing policies, but emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the face of Chinese aggression.
As tensions between the two nations continue to rise, Pagasa serves as a microcosm of the Philippine-Chinese standoff. The island’s peaceful atmosphere belies the complexities and challenges faced by its residents, who are fighting for their country’s sovereignty and way of life.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxkkvw8r4no