The Probable Solution to Attain the Claim in Spratly Island

            The Spratly Islands in the South China Sea is rich in natural resources that can boost an economy to a dramatic success. Six nations claimed that Spratly islands are included to their territory but until now the debate on where the islands will go seems difficult to determine. The six nations have their own proof to justify their claim on the island. The claims of different nations invites conflicts to arise, they may use brute force or diplomacy just to acquire the rich island of Spratly. The Philippines is the one of the claimant of the island, and the impendent rise of conflict in other nation has been observed. If the Philippines have a claim on the island so long with other strong nation what course of action should the Philippines government will take? To pursue the settlement on the issue of ownership of the island, to enter in a joint venture in other claimants of the island and negotiating the ownership of the island in a period of time or following the other approach, which is engaging into all out war. It is hard to determine for a weak country like the Philippines on what to be prioritized. As I dissected the different probable solution to the claim of Spratly islands I came at in one point, not to use violence but the advantages of the probable solutions in benefits of the Philippines.

            Pursuing the ownership of the Spratly islands would be not practical for the Philippines. First of all, even the Philippines attain the ownership of the island it is impossible for the government to waste big amount of money to extract natural resources to avail the benefits of the island. The Philippines would search for an foreign excavators to extract the minerals and other natural resources of the Spratly, the Philippines surely cannot avail the service so it will goes sharing of extracted resources for both players. It is very impractical for the Philippines. The second aspect is the relation of the Philippines in the neighbouring claimant of the islands; it will weaken the relationship of the Philippines that may result in many negative effects for the economic development of the Philippines. The worst scenario would be engaging in war and the Philippine is not capable of financing the military for international war. And lastly, if the Philippines attain the ownership on the Spratly, the intervention of other states would be observed especially the United States of America because of its oil reservoir.

            Declaring all out war to other claimants of the island would only deliver the Philippines to devastation. Entering in war will cost too much and for the Philippines it is not very practical to waste the national funds in engaging in war. Even the promised aid of the USA it would be a tragic moment for the Philippines. Philippines cannot afford to go to war and even if it can it is not the best way to attain the ownership of the Spratly islands. First, the Philippines have an impotent arm forces and naval forces. Second, there is more to be prioritized that the claim of the Spratly island. And third, the relation of the Philippines to maintain in its neighbouring country for overseas workers.

            As I apply my analytical thinking to come up with the best probable solution on the claim of the Philippines for Spratly islands I came up with the joint venture. This paper will illustrate the possibilities when the Philippines engaged in joint venture with China. Why China? China is one of the most economic boosters of Asia and has the most powerful force on all of the claimants. The Philippines has the advantage of engaging joint venture in China because the Spratly Island is located at the territorial sea boundary of the Philippines. If only the Philippines and China meet at the half way, it is surely satisfy their claims. First, the Chinese government can allocate their funds to extract the resources in the Spratly Island which is the weakness of the Philippines. China has more access in new technologies that will hasten the excavation and they persevered because of the oil reservoir on the main island. It is basically a win-win situation for both claimants. Second, boosting the economy of both countries and will open a new door for trade. It will help the Philippines to open the door for the Chinese Market. My estimated sharing is 80% for China because they provided equipment and technology for excavating the islands and 20% for the Philippines and the ownership of the island. It is a big help to boost the Philippine market. Lastly, the relation of the Philippines will be solidified and will give a strong political, economical and social relation to both countries. Entering in a contract with China will disregard the other claimants of the island.

            The Philippines must enter a negotiation for its benefits. The win-win situation may serve as an answer for the claim in Spratly Island. The Philippines cannot choose other option to acquire the ownership of the islands but to enter in a contract that would be both beneficial for both claimants.