Opinion | Philippines’ South China Sea gambit is high on effort, low on results

Manila should take note of how Malaysia and Vietnam have managed to make the most of their maritime resources while navigating their territorial disputes with China, and rethink its own approach

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Published: 5:30am, 15 Feb 2024Updated: 7:21am, 15 Feb 2024

The Philippines is Asean’s most vocal and seemingly assertive challenger to China’s claims in the South China Sea. Public opinion supports taking military action, and Manila is actively seeking international support, strengthening its alliance with the US and building up its coastguard presence.

But despite these efforts, tangible gains remain elusive. Compared to Vietnam and Malaysia, the Philippines appears to be lagging behind in both resource exploitation and physical control of disputed areas.

Vietnam has undertaken significant land reclamation in the Spratlys since December 2022, adding an estimated 134 hectares (330 acres) to its existing land holdings in the Spratlys. This expansion is second only to China’s in size.

In stark contrast, the Philippines has seen its presence in the region decline. It lost its presence on Scarborough Shoal in 2012 and continues to face Chinese interference in its attempts to consolidate its position on Second Thomas Shoal. Although Manila has legal backing from the South China Sea arbitration ruling and the support of allies, its control over Second Thomas Shoal looks increasingly fragile.

In terms of oil and gas development, Malaysia’s oil and gas industry plays a crucial role in its economy, accounting for around 20 per cent of GDP. The South China Sea is a major contributor to this sector, but many explored blocks overlap with areas claimed by China, particularly north of Sarawak. Despite these challenges, Malaysia’s exploration has been relatively stable compared to the Philippines’ efforts in the Reed Bank, which have seen limited progress.

Why does China tolerate such extensive reclamation by Vietnam, while not allowing the Philippines to fortify its tiny presence aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal? Why has Malaysia been able to manage large-scale oil and gas development in the South China Sea while the Philippines faces significant challenges in developing its resources?