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Sustainability Strategies for the South China Sea

May 3, 2025

Addressing China's Assertive Behavior in the South China Sea

Focus on Sustainability: A Strategy for the Philippines

Overview

  • China's actions in the South China Sea (known locally as the West Philippine Sea - WPS) are a source of dismay and anxiety for the Philippines.
  • The Chinese Coast Guard's recent blockade of a Philippine vessel highlights ongoing tensions.
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasizes professionalism and patriotism in response.

Impact on Filipino Fisherfolk

  • China's presence in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) affects 300,000 Filipino fisherfolk reliant on the WPS for livelihood.
  • Regions like the National Capital Region, MIMAROPA, and Central Luzon are heavily dependent on fish production from the WPS.
  • Legal victory in 2016 via an international tribunal, affirming Philippines' sovereign rights, remains unenforced by China.

Economic and Social Consequences

  • Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by Chinese vessels continues.
  • Overseas Development Institute study (2024) notes:
    • 77 Chinese vessels in EEZ, causing economic and social issues.
    • 0.02% decrease in GDP (mid-2021 to mid-2022).
    • Loss of 17,000 marine jobs and 24,000 Filipinos pushed into poverty.

Philippines' Fish Import Context

  • China is a major import source, contributing 26% of fishery imports in 2020.
  • In 2022, the Philippines imported 219,500 metric tons of fish from China.
  • Despite slight decreases in 2023, China remains the top fish import source.

Strategy for Sustainability

  • Propose an import ban on IUU fishing-derived products to:
    • Deter China's IUU fishing in the WPS.
    • Promote sustainability in fisheries management and trade.
  • Leverage ASEAN Guidelines and Republic Act 10654 to guide import restrictions.
  • ASEAN Guidelines (2015) focus on preventing IUU fishing products in the supply chain.
  • RA 10654 strengthens the Philippines' regulatory authority over fisheries management.

Implementation Challenges and Opportunities

  • Requires strong enforcement, international cooperation, and specific regulations.
  • Need to diversify trade relationships with countries practicing sustainable fishing.
  • Support local fish traders and processors affected by import limitations.
  • Invest in the capacity and sustainability of the domestic fisheries sector:
    • Financial and technical support for local fisherfolk.
    • Promote sustainable aquaculture and improved fisheries management.

Conclusion

  • The Philippines must counter China's WPS activities with measures reflecting sustainability and equity.
  • Avoid rewarding China with continued imports from IUU activities.
  • Encourage domestic production and uphold standards to prevent IUU fishing.
  • Sustainability should centralize the Philippines' approach to South China Sea issues.

Author

  • Rej Cortez Torrecampo: Founder of the Philippine-Seapower Interdisciplinary Research and Development Hub and faculty member at Miriam College.

Tags: Flashpoints, Economy, Southeast Asia, China, Philippines, IUU fishing, South China Sea crisis

Note: These notes summarize the article "To Address China's Assertive Behavior in the South China Sea, the Philippines Should Focus on Sustainability" published by The Diplomat on April 30, 2025. The author suggests a focus on sustainability as a strategic approach to dealing with China's assertive actions in the South China Sea.

View note sourcehttps://thediplomat.com/2025/04/to-address-chinas-assertive-behavior-in-the-south-china-sea-the-philippines-should-focus-on-sustainability/