In 2004, Chinese naval vessels conducted a comprehensive survey and mapping of the Benham Rise, also referred to as the Philippine Rise, a relatively unexplored underwater plateau located northeast of Luzon, and connected to the Bashi Channel.
The Chinese government’s subsequent move in 2014 to propose new names to the International Hydrographic Organization, a global body responsible for water surveying and charting, raises serious territorial concerns for the Philippines.
The IHO officially approved these new names in 2017, designating them as Jinghao Seamount and Tianbao Seamount, positioned roughly 70 nautical miles east of Cagayan; Haidonquing Seamount further east at 190 nautical miles, and Cuiqiao Hill; and Jujiu Seamount, all forming the central peaks of the Philippine Rise undersea geological formation.
Equally puzzling is the lack of a timely and proactive objection from the Philippine government regarding these name changes that raises questions about the country’s diplomatic approach.
It prompts speculation about the reasons behind the Department of Foreign Affairs’ inability to prevent the renaming, resulting in a reactive response that could be described as “Johnny-come-lately.”
China’s Foreign Ministry currently contends that, according to international law, the Philippines cannot assert territorial claims over the Benham Rise.
Additionally, it argues that the occasional presence of Chinese vessels in the area constitutes an exercise of freedom of navigation and innocent passage rights.
Deciphering China’s expansive self-projection, and its potential encroachment into Philippine territorial waters extending beyond the South China Sea and into the Pacific Ocean necessitates an in-depth analysis of its geopolitical and hegemonic aspirations, particularly in its pursuit of superpower status.
It becomes evident that China’s primary aim revolves around asserting control over the Bashi Channel, a pivotal element crucial for any successful attempt to invade and occupy Taiwan.
This situation becomes clearer when examined from the perspective of “strategic space,” a concept originally attributed to Mao Zedong, and now synonymous with identifying and analyzing key areas critical for logistical advantages in both air and sea military operations.
The Bashi Channel, situated approximately 483 kilometers from mainland China, plays a pivotal role as a vital waterway connecting Taiwan and the Philippines. Its proximity to Taiwan, approximately 130 kilometers, and its proximity to the Philippines, roughly 160 kilometers, underscore its strategic importance.
Functioning as a strategic maritime gateway to the Pacific Ocean, the Bashi Channel facilitates approximately 60 percent of international shipping trade between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Additionally, it holds immense communication significance, serving as the host for nearly 98 percent of the submarine cable network interconnecting Southeast Asia, North America, and East Asia.
Given these critical factors, the Bashi Channel has emerged as a central geopolitical flashpoint involving China, the United States, and their respective allies.
Recent developments have significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape in the region.
The Philippine government’s decision to establish four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Arrangement sites for future military operations in northern Philippines and Taiwan — namely the Camilo Osias Naval Base in Cagayan, Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela, and Fort Magsaysay Airfield in Nueva Ecija — introduces a new and intricate dimension.
Leveraging this strategic advantage, the likelihood of a potential invasion and occupation of Taiwan appears considerably diminished.
This transformation is further reinforced by the strengthened collaboration within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad Alliance) comprising the United States, India, Australia, and Japan.
This cooperative effort has effectively recalibrated the power dynamics in the region, serving as a robust deterrent against any aggressive actions that could undermine the sovereignties of both Taiwan and the Philippines.
______________________________________
Author’s email: efren.padilla@csueastbay.edu
