Political analyst and De La Salle University International Studies Professor Renato de Castro stressed that diplomacy remains essential despite reports of another Chinese-built structure spotted in the West Philippine Sea.
In an interview with DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, De Castro said China continues to operate under its communist party policy, while the Philippines should continue to uphold its democratic principles in responding to maritime tensions.
“Dalawang level po ‘yan. Una, yung polisiya ng Communist Party na hindi niyo pwedeng kwestyonin. Pangalawa, yung Chinese diplomatic culture — kung sa kanilang lenggwahe ang tawag dyan Chung Ku o Middle Kingdom. China ang sentro ng sibilisasyon ayon sa pananaw ng tinatawag nating Middle Kingdom mentality,” De Castro explained.
“Huwag nating patulan ‘yon. Iba ho tayo, demokrasya po tayo. Of course, ang diplomasya natin ay based sa modern rules-based approach kung saan pantay-pantay ang mga bansa,” he added.
The professor suggested that the Philippines strengthen its maritime posture through cooperative activities with allied countries, including the United States, Japan, and possibly Australia, particularly in areas near Scarborough Shoal.
“Hindi lang MCA (maritime cooperative activity) kundi talagang naval exercise po — live firing exercise. Kasama siguro dyan ang US Navy, ang Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, at kung sasama ang Australia, maganda po ‘yan para ipakita natin sa Tsino na ang diplomasya natin ay sinusuportahan ng aktuwal na capability,” he said.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea earlier reported on June 10 the discovery of a Chinese “floating structure” inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc. The agency said the platform has an estimated deck area of around 30 square meters, with a roughly 5-meter beam and 6–7 meter length, surrounded by fenders and possibly anchored, and may be supported by metal stilts if stationary.
De Castro compared the structure in Bajo de Masinloc to developments in Mischief Reef in the 1996 period, warning that it could signal early steps toward further militarization.
On China’s reported move to ban Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and his family from entering China, De Castro described it as a “badge of honor,” suggesting it reflects the impact of the Philippines’ diplomatic and defense posture.
“Malaki yung impact hindi lang ng sinasabi ni Secretary Teodoro pati na rin yung kanyang ginawa, lalo na sa ating defense policy,” he said.
Teodoro on Friday said he remains undeterred by sanctions imposed by China against him and his family, vowing to continue carrying out his duties and defending the country despite China's latest move.
