The growing militarization of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is “dangerous” because it will undermine the cooperation of frontline nations on other issues surrounding the region, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. warned. Esperon reiterated the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that issues involving the West Philippine Sea may become a “flashpoint” that could lead to a bigger conflict. “The South China Sea or West Philippine Sea issue remains to be a dangerous flashpoint in the region due to the overlapping territorial claims and maritime domain concerns among various claimants,” Esperon said during a security forum held last week in Makati City. “The growing militarization of the South China Sea and the delay to forge a legally binding Code of Conduct in the disputed area continue to undermine the blossoming cooperation of frontline states in other issue-areas,” Esperon noted. China, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines all claim some or all of the South China Sea and its shoals, reefs and islands.

Source: Manila Times March 18, 2018 16:52 UTC