Poll: Diplomacy best way to resolve Scarborough Shoal standoff

MANILA, Philippines – Majority of Inquirer.net readers believe that the Philippines should employ diplomatic methods in order to resolve the Scarborough Shoal standoff with China, a survey result said.

In a survey posted on Inquirer.net, 71.98 percent of the respondents or 578 readers, answered yes when asked whether they think the Philippines should engage in diplomacy to resolve the conflict with China regarding the Scarborough Shoal.

Meanwhile, 28.02 percent of the respondents or 225 readers answered no to the same question.

A total of 803 Inquirer.net readers participated in the survey which was posted last week.

Tension between the Philippines and China rose last week after the Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Gregorio del Pilar–a US Hamilton-class cutter and currently the biggest war ship in the country’s fleet—to the Scarborough Shoal in an attempt to deter Chinese boats from fishing in the area.

Following the deployment, China sent two surveillance vessels and prevented the BRP Gregorio del Pilar from arresting the Chinese fishermen.

Tensions eased over the weekend after Chinese fishing boats left the shoal following the pulling out of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which local authorities said left to refuel and restock supplies.

My Reaction

                The struggle of China and Philippines with the Scarborough Shoal has developed a tension between the two. Personally, I like the result of this poll because it shows that Filipinos are not too aggressive with the matter. Too much aggressiveness might lead to greater tension which may be the reason for a battle between the two nations to rise. As we know, the Philippines is not that strong in terms of military capacity and China is the complete opposite. This means we will only have a little chance of winning in a war against it.

              

                History tells us that war is not going to have any positive after effects. Our government will be forced to put all money into gears and equipments for battle which will lead to economic decline. The lives of people will be affected and the comforts they experienced before will be turned to fear and struggle for survival. Waging a war against China should be AVOIDED!

               

                Instead, we must settle this in a diplomatic process. We can only hope for the best. Sad to say that only our leaders can do much about this. As a student I am one of those hoping for the victory of those in charge. I also hope that a war will never happen again.