Peaceful settlements of dispute with China: Is it Possible?

There is tension in the West Philippine Sea and it can't be denied that it has further soured relations between our two countries. While it's maddening to even hear things like bullying and physical harm to fishermen and coast guard personnel, we were able to hear from the Chinese side as some of their educators from different universities were in the country to tell their side and how the Chinese psyche works. 

This is part of Kamuning Bakery Cafe's Pan de Sal Forum which was moderated by Rod Cornejo. Former Senator Nikki Coseteng and Professor Rommel Banlaoi the President of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Philippines-China Relations was also there to explain things about the Philippine action and challenges. For the Chinese side, they had Dr. Lei Xiaolu the Vice Director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (also a Professor from the  China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies in Wuhan University), Dr. Zheng Zhihua the Associate Professor and Head of East Asia Marine Policy Project at the Center for Japanese Studies in Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dr. Yan Yan the Vice Director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative and also the Director of Research Center for Oceans Law and Policy, National institute of South China Sea Studies, Professor Hu Bo the Director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative and Director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies and Research Professor of the School of International Studies in Peking University.

Nikki Coseteng says "It is very dangerous to be guided by propaganda. Peace is a necessary ingredient for a future we can depend on, for opportunities, and the establishment of it that is based on justice."

She adds Those who make money from war are not winners. Does everyone want peace in Asia? We do. We read the Philippines is purchasing F16 jets, but those are almost obsolete. We saw Ukraine, Gaza, and support coming from abroad but the people who perished in millions are inside the country. We in Asia have an economy 3-4 times bigger than EU, why would you want to destroy that? We want that for our children. We have to sit down, don't kid yourselves on settling it now. That won't happen. It might take one or two hundred years, but it would benefit generations thereafter."

Professor Rommel Banlaoi says "Peaceful settlements of dispute with China is the topic for today. I need to cite the work of a good friend from the US Taylor Fravel who mentioned 23 territorial disputes of China since 1949. In his dissertation, he has indicated how China has been able to resolve disputes where China gets less of the contested territory. In more cases than one, China offered a generous compromise of the disputed land, and give more to the neighboring countries. This is a finding from an American, and not from Chinese."

Professor Hu Bo says "We should peacefully resolve the South China Sea issues. It is difficult to resolve it with maritime disputes and 5 parties. In our lifetime we would not see the resolution of it. No other party will give up maritime claims. In the last year , there is progress even if there is tension. It is important for both countries, the China policy is consistent. Foreigners ask what the next step is, China has no plans, but remain status quo."

Dr. Yan Yan says "In the long run, how do we prevent crisis? It is self restraint. We already have bilateral relations and talks, any of the communication is being done, and in the long run we want to solve the disputes. If you look at it objectively, we don't want to do it by force but by peaceful resolution. This is what we are trying to achieve."

Dr. Zheng Zhihua "Three facts to choose, justice, respect and peace in the China sea dispute. We also need to know the understanding of China with regards to international law. Giving the capability to resort to defend territorial integrity, it is not possible for them to give up sovereignty."

Dr. Lee Xiaolu says "Every dispute has a peaceful solution, to not jeopardize the final solution. Member states should talk to other member states to prevent future disputes and not other non claimant states. Mutual negotiation and agreements through bilateral efforts should manage and handle it. Peace and stability should be a priority for people. We need to sit down to create an economic development for everybody."

Here's the forum on video to give you more context about the things they wanted to say about recent conflicts;

We got the impression that they'd rather have this be sat down with just two parties rather than involve others to resolve it. Is it possible to have a peaceful resolution? That still remains to be seen, but here's hoping it becomes a non violent process because war is NEVER an answer.

Making History, Leaving a Legacy with Gatorade

 

Wasn't the last FIBA game of the Philippines fun? Gilas Pilipinas won against China and it's a whopping 96-75, contrary to early predictions. Dwight Ramos wasn't just eye candy, but really went against some of the big men in the league. He's been training a lot and played in teams from the EU region. He knows how to play, and part of that is hydrating a lot.

He goes through these challenges with a Gatorade in hand. It replenishes his electrolytes, and makes him not experience dehydration. It also helps him with the nutrients he need while playing on the court. With it, he also doesn't experience cramps during warmups.

During the game, heat and exhaustion can really hamper these players performance especially since they've been at the peak of their physical efforts. Some players stop mid game because they lose so much fluids and cramps become a problem. Good thing there's the official electrolyte drink for FIBA to help them in the games. They are making history for their respective countries, that includes the Philippines... and we saw that happen during this week. 

 

That sweet end with the victory against China was the cherry on top.

A Talk On "The China COVID-19 Experience"

YILING Pharmaceutical held a talk on the topic "Learning from the China COVID-19 Experience Control and Surge Prevention" hosted by Philippine Archipelago International Trading Corporation.


Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr of the Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed us and said "It is my pleasure welcoming you to this webinar. With over 4 Million deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we need to learn more. No one is safe unless everyone is safe, we need to work together. I understand scientific competition, but timely information is essential in defeating it. The PH and China has cooperated including in kind and sharing donations. They were battling the virus still, but now has made return to work in almost 100% now. Our partnership made us feel we're not alone, thank you China from the bottom of my heart."

Mayor Benjamin Magalong the current PH Vaccine czar says "It's been a year already since the WHO declared this pandemic. Our usual peak season had to stop, we could have risen if we didn't take steps and done targeted action. We are working towards low and manageable level and doing a gradual re-opening activities in several provinces including Baguio. The population testing and contact tracing has continued and we're doing an equilibrium for health safety and economic recovery. It's a complex dance in keeping infections rate low and to avoid overwhelming our health facility. We need to curb the onslaught of the virus on our city and country. We put a premium to a feedback mechanism and adjust our decisions when it is deemed necessary. We advocate transparency, leadership in the community level and it will only work when majority of the population would work with us. Public health is a priority, for the long haul we will have a concerted effort to beat this disease with the use of digital tools, engagement with private sectors as vaccination sites. We need to gather feedback for the people we serve. The pandemic had us transform into a smart city and will happen on 2022. Use this as support system for the city and we have technical partners for our service delivery, government efforts, public safety, and connectivity will be the backbone for this challenge and perhaps put up an LGU managed city broadband network. This is our experience, and we hope this would be something that others would learn in responding to adversity and become resilient."

Secretary Vince Dizon the Chief Testing czar and BCDA head says "We were not prepared for this, but China helped in equipment, medicines, provided by public and private organizations. We got it in control compared to others who have been struggling, this is a whole nation approach and we got assistance. Despite delays in delivery, we have vaccinated a few million and hope to have more in the next few months. Hopefully we have ample amount of doses soon as no one is safe until everyone is safe."

Master Physician of Eastern  Medicine Jzhia Zhen Hua says "Viral disease has been a great threat and we've been battling a few over the years. There will be a reduction in efficacy, we need to have an effective way to battle this disease and in the last year the Chinese government placed strong measures against COVID-19 and has made Chinese medicine part of it. We have rich experience in combating the disease. Lianhua Qingwen has played an important role in prevention and control of influenza A H1N1 virus, it also inhibits SARS Cov 2 replication, inhibits inflammatory reaction and reduces lung injury in animal tests (mice). It is also suggested to be used for people who have mild to moderate symptoms."

 

 

Philippine Archipelago International Trading Corporation President Ms. Olivia Limpe-Aw says "We need earlier intervention, the comprehensive rehabilitation and treatment, the combination of Eastern and Western medicine. They stressed cooperation, of people from all walks of life, involve all sectors of society to battle COVID. We pray for ample amount of vaccines, thank our speakers for their support and the offices who have made this event possible. We hope to soon have normalcy in our lives so our economy can get back on track." Lianhua Qingwan is available in Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug and Watsons. This is a prescription drug so make sure you have consulted your doctor if you plan to take this.