China’s aggressive activities in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, have caught the attention of both international and local media. Chinese were survey ships were reported to have been spotted in Benham Rise, one of the ‘Philippines’ resource-rich territories recognized by the United Nations. The Philippines should keep on patrolling Benham Rise and possibly put up a structure there to assert Philippine ownership of the area, lest this part of Philippine territory, which is rich in coral reefs and schools of fish, turn into another of China’s “reclaimed” lands. Let’s bear in mind that China has not excluded from its big dream small territories or reefs. Claims and incidents like what’s happening at Benham Rise, however petty they may seem to outsiders, if they are tied to the vital interests of those in position of power, could lead to war.

Catindig, R. E. (2017, March 20). China's big dream lusts for small reefs. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A16.