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.

ALJUR ABRENICA and AJ RAVAL Set to Star in WPS Themed Series

With the recent pronouncements and action of forces in the West Philippine Sea, this WPS themed series is set to premiere on DZRH TV, Radio and other platforms. This is the handy work of Dr. Michael Raymond Aragon of KSMBPI (Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, Inc.). It's going to be a series, based on fiction and real life events happening in the West Philippine Sea and we got to talk to them (Aljur, AJ, Doc Aragon, Rannie and Lance Raymundo) this morning via zoom.

Dr. Michael Raymond Aragon "We are here for a crucial advocacy, the issue about the West Philippine sea. It's part of our EEZ, awarded in an arbitral tribunal but there's a bully trying to threaten us. Many think tanks think China will not go to war with us and the US due to the economic issues, and they are bluffing us. They want to get us without firing a shot. This positioning is the same thing of what they did with Vietnam. This project is fiction, entertainment, but a subliminal way of talking to people to rally the correct foreign policy to make sure it doesn't go to them. We are talking to air this on TV, Free TV, Cable, Satellite, radio drama and Viva One. They have subscribers from all over the world, this is different from Vivamax, and is their prime brand." 

He adds "Honestly as long as  there's things happening in WPS, we will introduce it in different channels. We will also have it streamed, and other TV channels we plan to put it in. It's information dissemination. There's really a chance to put in other artists of course. We will prioritize A-listers, we are supporting their transition to mainstream. The cases are done and moving forward. Lala Sotto brokered things, it's time for us to help the nation. This is part of our information campaign because it's ours. They are the first choice as far as actors go, I saw them as a family and this is the fight we are taking on, like the cognitive war. The world will back up the Philippines. The family is the basic unit, we have Raval, we have Raymundo, we have Viva. This is a cause for the Philippines, and it's ours. We are treating fear, they are aggressors and we just have to stand up for our rights. Entertainment is a very strong aspect for battling that. Every day, we talk to people, although fictional, you will see things that are happening in the WPS and streamed after three days since this is a continuous project. They are heroes because they are doing this beyond themselves. They will be toured nationwide to promote the advocacy to go around and promote this. We want to make them laugh, cry, fall in love when it shows on TV and hear on the radio. It's subliminal. It's fiction but real life."

Rejie Jularbal of DZRH announced "We will be putting this on radio, thinking of putting this in free to air in major cities translated in local dialects. In the meantime we will be promoting WPS on our platforms."

AJ Raval says "Just to be clear, I didn't say I didn't want to be an actress, but there was just a time that I wanted to do other things like finish my studies, use it for better things. I did have a time when I didn't want to do things, but it was just because I wanted to do other stuff and learn, spend time with family. I am happy about this project because you can use your artistry for good things, it was offered to us and we didn't even ask for fees. It's something that would be good for the country. We're not a package, but we were just invited. My Dad and Aljur. I think I'm done with sexy scenes, I want something new, but I'm quite happy I did that. I am still under Viva, and I don't have plans to do other things. I still am planning to do projects with them. Aljur really didn't have a say, I just did it and he supported me. My role here is Alena, an adoptee by Commander played by Rannie Raymundo. While very young, she had promise training. I don't have advise for other Viva artists, they know what they are doing. I think if it's their calling they will get there. It's also my dream to work with my Dad, I am happy about that. This is my first time doing things outside Viva so I'm weighing things. Since my Dad is there, it was very comfortable to do things because he's there. He has worked in the industry for years and he gives me good advise. Boss Vic is also happy about what I'm doing, he knows about it. I went to his office to talk about it and I appreciate that he said I can do it. I am happy hearing Aljur say that, my Dad is overjoyed and proud of me when he heard I'd be giving this up. This is the first time I'm doing an advocacy project, I am obsessed with the cause because I always am up to date with the things happening there. Aljur too because I know, he's very nationalistic."

Aljur Abrenica says "I am excited to work with them, specifically in acting and singing. When AJ made the decision, I am so happy for her. I am always supportive for the people I love, but I am so proud of her. This isn't an easy thing, but this is her next step. When she goes to a greater path, you get to be proud. I play a specific role but it will be changed, because the script is being updated. I am the cousin of Lance, this talks about espionage, cyber media. Things happening in the WPS will be reflected in the story. I am doing covert operations, in the interest of the Filipino nation. Just working with AJ and her Dad Jeric, it's going to be a family bonding. I still see him in his movies, and this is face to face working with him. This is a chance to strengthen our bond since we will be working together. Right now I am not under LVD, but I stayed because of Sir Leo, when nobody believed in me, he was the one who supported me. May he be in peace. Now I am doing freelance work, hopefully I'd be able to work with a new management. I'll announce it soon. As for being an advocate, I'm very grateful because we can be instruments to fight for our country, in our own way. I experienced bullying when I was a kid, I talk to people, when love intervenes, God will find a way. They will change eventually. There is fear, but this is what we can contribute for the next generation."

Rannie Raymundo says "It's been a while since I've said yes to a project but since it's Doc Mike, it's time to fight for our rights and we need to do it now. It's a beautiful start on our day. You know I let him be his own man. We wake up, go to the gym together. He also makes his own music. Everyday we talk and read about the script, we are really hearing the news, and we are battling fear. I am done with fear because it's the one that stops us, art imitates life, and hopefully life will imitate solutions. If it's just up to us we're okay, but if it's about the future generations it's a different thing. It tickles me to see him succeed, we are the most abnormal brothers in the world, ever since he was born, we didn't fight or argue. We put all the praises to our parents, my Dad was tough, and we were trained hard. We are excited about this because there will be a lot of surprises in store for our countrymen. I am offering my songs for free, to hopefully be part of the soundtrack and let people hear the voices of AJ, Ayanna and Diana. People should know, they too are very talented singers."

Lance shares "This is something off our bucket list and working with my brother is something we wanted to do. As a Filipino, we were a hit in Bollywood. They know how hard working Pinoys are, families are asking for photos, I could think we made a huge impact with what we did. Hopefully Filipinos can do more other than hosting, we talked to people, our looks, it's similar to Northern folks in their own country. I had a lot of layovers, so I read the script, but there's nothing much to prepare in because I believe in the project. My character represents us, as long as you are aware about what's happening in the news, it's easy to do this. Everything that we do, if it's for the country, we take risks. We are using our platform, like soldiers we are giving what we can do. We are not afraid if we are using it for the good. We were raised very well, people in social media see this. Rannie was already an OPM icon even then, for me, just being here is a big thing. Now that I'm finding my niche, my brother is supporting me. We push each other up and no rivalries. They will be doing CGI and knowing Doc, he will only be coming out with quality films."

This series also stars Ayanna Misola, Daiana Menezes, Ali Forbes, Masimo Sciofield, Jeric Raval, Mary Sharapova, Henry Lo, and Jericka Madrigal. They are planning to have this be shown come October this year and will go around the Philippines to promote it. This would certainly be a great way to entertain folks at home, but at the same time, inform them of the threat that looms on the west side of our country.