The Middle Ground - Assignment Example

? The Middle Ground Essay The Cover Letter What was the purpose of the essay? What do you plan to accomplish with this essay? What do you hope the reader takes away from this argument? The purpose of the essay is to apprise the readers on the current maritime and territorial dispute that exists between China and the Philippines. One plans to propose a resolution to the conflict, even in theoretical means, as disputing parties, particularly China, signify a selfish approach by indicating suggested resolution from the international organization that is assigned to resolve territorial disputes using the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). In this regard, one hopes that the reader would understand the arguments posed by each party and decide for themselves, other alternative courses of action that would assist in resolving the dispute. 2) What did you learn from completing this assignment? Did you experience a new understanding of the topic? Did you change your perspective after completing the research? One learned that there are some issues or controversies that are not simple and that would require some form of third party mediation to resolve. However, in this case, it is more complex since China explicitly indicated refusal to accept third party resolutions to the dilemma. As a result, one definitely experienced greater depth in understanding the topic and enabled one to gain increased appreciation for conflict negotiations or resolving issues using middle ground concepts. 3) What difficulties did you encounter during the research, writing, or editing phases of the assignment? The difficulties encountered during the process were trying to locate authoritative information on the topic being researched and to find a balanced discourse that would present both sides of the arguments. There were also some challenges in trying to fit the arguments into the specified word count and therefore observe quality in writing. Finally, there was extreme difficulty in proposing a middle ground solution because of China’s stance on the issue. 4) What did you enjoy about this assignment? The assignment proved to be very enlightening and informative in terms of the knowledge gained from the research. One learned to use skills in research, writing and editing to ensure that the final structure would comply with the needed requirements. Therefore, the assignment was an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. 5) What made you decide to write about this particular topic? Is this a topic that you are discussing in another course? Is this a topic that concerns you in particular? The topic was decided on due to its current nature and the controversial issues that emerged. Likewise, one could note that since this is a territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, one might conclude that other countries are not, in any way, affected by the issues. However, one believes that its immediate resolution would benefit, not only these countries, but others who trade and inter-relate with them in any way. 6) Is there anything else you would like for me to know before reading your essay? None anymore, except that this middle ground essay is an effective way of enhancing skills in both thinking (analytical) and writing and is therefore a rewarding endeavor. The Middle Ground Essay Introduction and Claim The topic to be discussed, evaluated and expounded on is the current maritime and territorial dispute over Scarborough Shoal by two countries: China and the Philippines. According to the website Disputed Territories, “the Philippines controls and runs this group, but China (People's Republic of China) lays claim to it, as part of its Paracels, Spratlys, and Zhongsha Islands Authority, and Taiwan (Republic of China) expresses sovereignty too, in the context of being the 'true ruler of China'” (Disputed Territories par. 1). As disclosed by BBC News Asia, “China's claim includes almost the entire South China Sea, well into what the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea recognizes as the 200-mile-from-shore Exclusive Economic Zones of other claimants” (par. 21). Background The Scarborough Shoal is described as “a ring-shaped coral reef which has closely spaced islands on it encircling a lagoon” (Scarborough Shoal 1) with a reported total of 150 square kilometers and bearing only 124 nautical miles off the shore of Zambales, one of the provinces in Luzon, the north portion of the Philippines (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon). In contrast, the claimant is reportedly located 550 nautical miles from Hainan Island, the closest port of China. The dispute was indicated to have had its historical basis on the grounds of discovery and occupation, to wit: “Beijing now argues that it first discovered and mapped the entire South China Sea during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), and that it was again mapped in 1279 AD by Chinese astronomer Guo Shoujing in a survey of islands surrounding China. The Philippines likewise claims historical ties to the territory, the earliest being the Carta Hydrographical y Chorographics De Las Yslas Filipinas (or "Hydrographic and Chorographic Map of the Philippine Islands"). Published in 1734, Fr. Velarde's map identified the Shoal as part of Zambales. Later expeditions such as Alejandro Malaspina's 1808 survey, likewise identified the territory as part of the Philippines” (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon par. 6). China has been adamant in its claim for Scarborough Shoal, as part of the South China Sea. International treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), of which both countries are deemed signatories. Accordingly, UNCLOS was reported to have disclosed provision “for a 200 nautical mile "exclusive economic zone" and "continental shelf" which effectively places Scarborough within Philippine sovereignty or jurisdiction” (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon par. 8). It was revealed by Lee (2012) that the main issue for the dispute was actually energy or gas. Middle Ground Solution The current essay hereby aims to propose a middle ground solution to the dispute. China was repeatedly reported that it does not want any third party mediation to the issue. However, it simply sees one solution to the issue: “for the Philippines to surrender all sovereignty over it to China” (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon par. 11). In disputes where there is apparent closed minded perspective to resolving the dilemma, it was evident that China is not making any moves to consider points of arguments other than its own. To validate its stand, it was hereby noted that “Beijing announced, in sum, that China does not accept any of the compulsory procedures with respect to all categories of territorial and maritime disputes under the (UNCLOS) Convention” (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon par. 10). On the other hand, the Philippines has continued to seek and rely on the assistance of the international organizations to assist and mediate. Most recent news has indicated that “Japan may soon provide ten 1,000-ton patrol ships to the Philippines to boost its defense capacity. A second US Hamilton-class cutter is slated to be transferred to the Philippine government” (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon par. 12). However, the incumbent president of the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III was noted to have explicitly stated that “the Philippines is no match for China's military, and it does not seek military conflict with China” (Wagner, Tupaz and Pozon par. 5). Given the facts, it is hereby suggested that the most plausible solution to the dispute is for the two countries’ diplomatic representatives to sit and talk things over with the aim of resolving the dispute. Since the ultimate goal of the claim is to control the natural resources that could be generated from Scarborough Shoal, all products (water resources, gas) should be reported when gathered with proceeds to be divided equally less costs incurred. This is the most diplomatic solution available for both countries without having to go through military conflict, which could potentially be more devastating for both. Conclusion Actually, current news indicates that there are no resolutions seen on the dispute in sight. It is either the surrender of the Philippines over the territorial claim or China’s agreement to accept solutions to be proposed by the UNCLOS. A middle ground solution was theoretically suggested to parallel resolution of disputes over issues where some resources are deemed to be generated for the benefit of each party. In this scenario, the ideal solution is to share the resources that would be gathered from Scarborough Shoal on an equal and regulated means. The exact details of the division and distribution are to be the subject of the agreement between China and the Philippines. Works Cited BBC News. "US and Philippines begin South China Sea drills." 16 April 2012. bbc.co.uk. 5 June 2012 . Disputed Territories. "Scarborough Shoal." 2012. disputedterritories.com. 5 June 2012 . Lee, Peter. "The riddle of the Scarborough Shoals ." 19 May 2012. Asia Times Online. 6 June 2012 . "Scarborough Shoal." 2012. getamap.net. 5 June 2012 . Wagner, Daniel, Edsel Tupaz and Ira Paulo Pozon. "China, the Philippines, and the Scarborough Shoal." 20 May 2012. huffingtonpost.com. 5 June 2012 . The Annotated Bibliography BBC News. "US and Philippines begin South China Sea drills." 16 April 2012. bbc.co.uk. 5 June 2012 . As disclosed by BBC News Asia, “China's claim includes almost the entire South China Sea, well into what the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea recognizes as the 200-mile-from-shore Exclusive Economic Zones of other claimants” (par. 21). The news article disclosed the joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines amidst the Scarborough Shoal dispute. Disputed Territories. "Scarborough Shoal." 2012. disputedterritories.com. 5 June 2012 . According to the website Disputed Territories, “the Philippines controls and runs this group, but China (People's Republic of China) lays claim to it, as part of its Paracels, Spratlys, and Zhongsha Islands Authority, and Taiwan (Republic of China) expresses sovereignty too, in the context of being the 'true ruler of China'” (Disputed Territories par. 1). The site likewise revealed other South China Sea Islands disputes. Lee, Peter. "The riddle of the Scarborough Shoals ." 19 May 2012. Asia Times Online. 6 June 2012 . Lee discussed the issues of dispute including the ultimate value of the Scarborough Shoal as a source of gas or energy. Other relevant concerns were explained touches on another offshore gas operation that the Philippines is involved in and the effect of the dispute to Philippine economy. "Scarborough Shoal." 2012. getamap.net. 5 June 2012 . Detailed the description of Scarborough Shoal including map location. The visual illustration was virtually poor and more vivid illustrations were useful from other websites. Wagner, Daniel, Edsel Tupaz and Ira Paulo Pozon. "China, the Philippines, and the Scarborough Shoal." 20 May 2012. huffingtonpost.com. 5 June 2012 . Provided comprehensive and balanced discourse on the dispute, including background and grounds for the dispute; the treaty law, and proposed diplomatic solution. The authors effectively presented the two parties arguments and indicated the status of the dispute. Read More