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Dozens Of Protesters Swarm Disputed Island As China Demands Withdrawal Of Filipino Troops

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Two days ago, an armed Chinese ship and two other vessels entered the waters north of Kuba Island and encroached on Japanese territorial waters starting at around 9:30 a.m. Kuba is part of the Senkakus which are at the center of a longstanding dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.

As BBC wrote last year, “the eight uninhabited islands and rocks in the East China Sea matter because they are close to important shipping lanes, offer rich fishing grounds and lie near potential oil and gas reserves.” Perhaps more importantly - especially in the context of what’s going on in the South China Sea - they are “in a strategically significant position, amid rising competition between the US and China for military primacy in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Some argue that Beijing’s move to encroach on what are supposed to be jointly developed oil and gas fields (“I drink your milkshake”) may stem from Japan’s purchase of three of the islands from a private owner in 2012. Saturday’s “incident” marks “the first time that an armed Chinese vessel has intruded into the areas [around the islands] that Japan’s claims as its territory,” Bloomberg writes, adding that although the former PLA vessel “is now operated by another department, the ship was armed with an auto-cannon.” Here’s more: 

The Japanese government protested to the Chinese embassy in Tokyo and to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, according to the foreign affairs ministry official. The entry of the three ships on Saturday was the 139th time that Chinese government vessels have entered Japan’s waters since September 2012, the official said.

 

When Japan’s coast guard warned the Chinese to leave its territorial waters Saturday, they responded by saying that the Japanese vessel was in Chinese waters and should leave immediately, Kyodo reported.

This comes just ten days after Reuters, citing Japanese officials, reported that Tokyo is preparing a missile blockade along the First Island chain in an effort to, i) deter what the US and Japan say is a regional maritime powergrab by China, and ii) effectively split the ocean into spheres of Chinese and US influence.

All in all, the waters around China and Japan are becoming an increasingly dangerous place and in the latest kerfuffle, 50 Filipinos have occupied Pagasa in the Spratlys to protest Beijing's island building efforts. The protesters "reached Pagasa in the Spratly archipelago on Saturday, saying they planned to stay for three days [in a demonstration against] Chinese encroachment in a Philippine exclusive economic zone," BBC says.

The island is Philippine-held, but officials were wary of the trip. "The Philippines was also concerned about China's reaction to trip as Manila has been trying to calm tensions," The Sidney Morning Herald wrote, earlier today.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang called on The Philippines to leave the Spratlys altogether. Here's the quote: 

“We once again urge the Philippines to move out its troops and facilities from the illegally occupied islands and refrain from doing anything that would undermine regional peace and stability and also relations between our two countries."

You're reminded that three years ago next month, the Philippines asked the UN Arbitration Court to settle China's maritime claims over the South China Sea. For its part, Beijing wants nothing to do with the proceedings which China views as illegitimate.

Lu's declaration in the wake of the Pagasa occupation harkens back to comments made last month by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin. Beijing has actually shown “great restraint” in the South China Sea, Liu told the press ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit held in Manila.

China, Liu went on to explain, has tolerated the “occupation” of the disputed waters even as Beijing has “both the right and the ability to recover the islands and reefs illegally occupied by neighboring countries.” Essentially, Liu said China would be well within its rights to forcibly expel The Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam from the Spratlys. 

And so, will a peaceful protest by a few dozen students be the indignity that causes China to demand, once and for all, the withdrawal of all non-Chinese military personnel from the Spratlys? Probably not, but Beijing clearly doesn't appreciate the fact that an island which China believes is sovereign territory is occupied by Filipino soldiers and now, by Filipino activists who are essentially calling the Chinese a belligerent occupying force in the archipelago.

 

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Mon, 12/28/2015 - 22:57 | 6972827 hal10000
hal10000's picture

I read that the US government gave China eight destroyers in 1945 to reclaim these islands from the Japanese.

I wonder how much NED money was funnelled to the Fllipino occupiers...

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 22:59 | 6972838 xavi1951
xavi1951's picture

I really don't care who has the islands.  China or Japan....  let them work it out.  U.S. stay out!

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:04 | 6972852 Francis Marx
Francis Marx's picture

My grandfather fought the Japanese on the islands in WW2. Hated them ever since with a passion at what they did to him and his outfit. He said the only good jap was a dead one.

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:23 | 6972901 stacking12321
stacking12321's picture

Why not just go to the store and buy a new outfit?

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:38 | 6972947 Ballin D
Ballin D's picture

My grandfather has a similar story. Spent most of his time on the western front, eventually had some kind of involvement in the pacific (not sure on the details).  Respects Germans, even shortly after the war, but still wont look Asians in the eye.  To this day, Ive seen the man stand up and go right into fight-or-flight when a 'Jap' walks in the room.  Dont know what they did to him but that hatred has survived for 70 years.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 00:07 | 6973019 o r c k
o r c k's picture

My Dad was at Okinawa in 1945 being attacked by Kamikaze's on his little WW1 destroyer. Both my parents were well trained to hate the Japanese. Oh, my Mom still does and no talking her out of it.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 00:52 | 6973094 August
August's picture

Millions upon millions, most of them Asian, loathe the Japanese.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:26 | 6973150 malek
malek's picture

Not surprising after you watched a few nowadays Chinese propaganda pieces, dressed up as serious movies.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:40 | 6973162 uhland62
uhland62's picture

Others say that everybody hates the Chinese. Then there are those who say that everybody hates the Russians. Makes the world look like Iraq and Syria, HELP!!!!

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 06:01 | 6973340 The Ingenious G...
The Ingenious Gentleman's picture

I went to Google to sort it all out:

Everyone hates the British - 34,800 results

Everyone hates the Chinese - 16,800 results

Everyone hates the Japanese - 15,500 results

Everyone hates the Americans - 12,500 results

Everyone hates the Russians - 7,230 results

Everyone hates the Muslims - 6,740 results

Everyone hates the French - 5,620 results

Everyone hates the Jews - 3,700 results

Everyone hates the Swedes - 10 results

Everyone hates the Mexicans - 9 results

Everyone hates the Canadians - 9 results

Everyone hates the Arabs - 4 results

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:01 | 6973678 kralizec
kralizec's picture

Everyone in this article is a pussy!  Either get to killin' or bend over, enough words!

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:07 | 6973695 zhanglini
zhanglini's picture

"everyone hate me" --- 11,700,000.

Me scared

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:50 | 6973828 SimplePrinciple
SimplePrinciple's picture

65,700 when I do it.  I should check "everyone love me", but I too scared.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 11:53 | 6974068 Stuck on Zero
Stuck on Zero's picture

I'm reminded of a certain Kingston Trio song ...

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:19 | 6972891 Baby Bladeface
Baby Bladeface's picture

"

I wonder how much NED money was funnelled to the Fllipino occupiers..."

Arises a definite stench of US NGOs, smell of Soros...

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 22:59 | 6972837 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

This is where an actual war may break out first.

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:06 | 6972850 xavi1951
xavi1951's picture

What actual war?  The whole world has been at war, somewhere, since recorded history.  Asia, China Sea, Near East, Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, Pacific, Eaurope, Vietnam , Korea, it has been ongoing!  War is part of human history.  To blame the MIC or bankers or JEWS is to be short sighted.  It part of humanity.  Humanity has two sides, the human kindness and human animal.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:26 | 6973149 uhland62
uhland62's picture

I played in the rubble of Berlin, a relative of mine spent 2 years on the road as a displaced person when he was a toddler. Please not again. 

Is the suffering through wars really humankind's fate? 

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:05 | 6972857 SgtShaftoe
SgtShaftoe's picture

The Japanese hate everyone who's not Japanese and everyone else in asia hates the Chinese: the Vietnamese, the Phillipinos, obviously the Japanese and the Koreans.  China's evil is just as deep as the US only arranged differently.  Instead of a 2 polar world, stability would be far better with a 300 polar world.

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:22 | 6972899 HotelBread
HotelBread's picture

I gather you've never been to Japan? The Japanese have remarkably little ill will toward Western countries, amazing since the US nuked them. They also get along great with neighboring countries, except the ones that have active propaganda campaigns against them. It's also the most civilized country in the world.

Yes, I'm a Japan booster, but not a paid one.

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:26 | 6972916 stacking12321
stacking12321's picture

Me too, ever since I discovered Akira kurosawa

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 02:39 | 6973215 ebear
ebear's picture

Here's another reason to like Japan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tujpaaF8yPU

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:27 | 6972917 stacking12321
stacking12321's picture

.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 02:29 | 6973205 Benjamin123
Benjamin123's picture

Yes but do they have diversity?

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 02:51 | 6973226 ---------
---------'s picture

we jews are on the way to bring diversety to japan

 

until now there was no diversity in japan because of the threat from sovitets and china to take over japan

now sovites and chine cant no longer influence japan and it will fall

 

new generation of japanese people is to stupid to protect japan from foreigners

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 09:39 | 6973611 The Ingenious G...
The Ingenious Gentleman's picture

Miss Japan, Japan's entry in last week's Miss Universe contest, is half African American.

I'm not saying all Japanese were comfortable with that, but it's something.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:24 | 6973741 IronForge
IronForge's picture

I'm of the same Nationality/Ethnic mix as her; and think She'll be the first and last one for awhile.  Since the difference in the  Nationalities/Ethnicities are significant (not readily regional or blended for centuries), it's almost like giving your Seat in the Pageant to the USA.

They'll expect USA to reciprocate and send over a Half-JPN Contestant sometime during the Asia_Pivot_Push_and_Cultural_Brainwashing_Push.  Cynical?  They're shoveling it heavily now that CHN's Economy and Military are growing in peculiar ways - JPN/CHN and USA/CHN Trade Volumes are greater than USA/JPN Volumes.   Despite TWN and KOR's interference, JPN and CHN are engaging more and more.  Team USA probably won't send in a Half-JPN Contestant, so JPN will stick to "purebreds", or possibly other "mixed" Dames thrown in sporadically. 

Due to the tensions involved, there probably will not be a Half Korean, Half Taiwanese, or Half Chinese Contestants.

Wed, 12/30/2015 - 01:30 | 6977090 kappal_toba_dhu...
kappal_toba_dhurr_ne_thook's picture

We  go to  Japan often.  We know many Indians that immigrated to Japan, most having taken permanent citizenship and some former Indians with Japanese nationality.  There are many such cases today.   Intermarriage in Japan is quite high.  Japan is today one of the most open countries in Asia, and far, far better  than the fascist-ruled PRC goontown. 

 

Yes, I am also a Japan supporter and not a paid one!

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 02:26 | 6973200 ebear
ebear's picture

"The Japanese hate everyone who's not Japanese"

uh oh... I guess that means my wife hates me.

What a way to find out. Damn... now what do I do?

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:07 | 6972861 Reichstag Fire Dept.
Reichstag Fire Dept.'s picture

I hope China hits those cunts and makes an example out of them. Nuke those fuckin islands! 

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:27 | 6972920 consider me gone
consider me gone's picture

And the Humanitarian of the Year Award goes to....

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 02:28 | 6973202 Benjamin123
Benjamin123's picture

Leave his alone!

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 11:26 | 6973942 Septicus Maximus
Septicus Maximus's picture

Stupid cunt

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:15 | 6972885 HotelBread
HotelBread's picture

China is showing with its belligerence what a dangerous player it will become over the next few decades. So much for "peaceful development"!

 

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:24 | 6972910 Spitzer
Spitzer's picture

The Flips would do a lot better if they scrapped their relations with the US and extended a hand to China. The Flips have been dirt poor for ever under this arrangement with the US. Dirt poor. I be been there. It's a disgrace

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:14 | 6973127 Grimaldus
Grimaldus's picture

I been to the Philippines-a lot. Been to China, been to Japan. The Philippines are poor because of Filipino corruption, they have done it to themselves. Does not matter who they have relations with, they will shoot themselves in the foot every time. It is a shame.

Japan struck me as one of the most civil places I have ever experienced. They may be aloof but they are fabulously polite people. I love it there.

In China I ran into the "arrogant Chinese bastard" all too frequently. Belligerent, uncouth, untrained and ill mannered assholes abound. Chinese leadership reflects those same traits, as this and many other situations expose to the world.

Relations with arrogant Chinese bastards will NOT help the Filipinos, nor anyone else.

 

 

 

 

Grimaldus

 

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:22 | 6973145 uhland62
uhland62's picture

What you describe as 'Chinese bastard' existed long ago as 'ugly American'. When somebody thinks he's the king of the castle it gets to their head. I worked for a Jap company in Frankfurt Germany and found they considered themselves better than us. That was 1982, when they were on a roll. 

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 05:56 | 6973336 Grimnir
Grimnir's picture

Look, I have no axe to grind with the Filipinos. But you're right; no matter who they side with, we can't expect any miracles out of that country.

And it's for the same reason as Sub-Saharan Africa. People who develop in tropical climates all tend to be prone to not-so-good decision making. Unfortunately the science behind this remains taboo to discuss.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:56 | 6973849 The Ingenious G...
The Ingenious Gentleman's picture

Well, they presently have one of the highest economic growth rates in the world - about 6 times that of Europe, Japan or the US, along with a young population, so the Koreans, Japanese and Chinese seem to be investing pretty heavily in the country. A future of growth looks pretty good compared to just about everywhere else.    

Wed, 12/30/2015 - 01:35 | 6977103 kappal_toba_dhu...
kappal_toba_dhurr_ne_thook's picture

Even here  in  Singapore, which is over three quarters Chinese heritage,  those arrogant Chinese bastards,  as you putit so well,are hated the most.  They really are arrogant, rude, and look down on the locals here.  They assume that all those of Chinese heritage can speak mandarin fluently and scream as those that can't.  They also take it upon themselves to relieve themselves whenever and wherever they choose, despite the fact that  there are public toilets everywhere.  

Years back Singporeans looked forward to a rising China.  Today, most refuse to call themselves anything  but Singaporeans.  Gone are the days when they would say they were "Chinese."  

 

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:19 | 6972890 Crush the cube
Crush the cube's picture

Mischief and Fiery Cross, nothing going on there.  Just offer free 10 x 10 meter plots to Phil squatters and a one way boat trip, they'll never be dislodged.

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:19 | 6972894 TEOTWAIKI
TEOTWAIKI's picture

I work with a Filipino and he told me that some of his countrymen are digging up the island they live on and selling it to the Chinese.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World!
Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:27 | 6972922 Spitzer
Spitzer's picture

What  has the Philippines got out of this relationship with the US all these years ? 

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:17 | 6973132 uhland62
uhland62's picture

They weren't invaded by Russia!

But the US alliances are not about what the other countries get out of it. When you listen carefully to the Washington guys it's always about 'our interests'. Never specified, but in my observation it is about privatisations, education, transport, water, electricity - what we used to call the utilities. They want to dominate these industries because you cannot avoid buying these products and services delivering reliable profits for them. 

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 12:38 | 6974261 FIAT CON
FIAT CON's picture

There's a great book about what these Countries get out of it;

Confesions of an economic Hitman pdf

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 11:23 | 6973934 Septicus Maximus
Septicus Maximus's picture

Your sister's twat, no? 

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:20 | 6972896 gwar5
gwar5's picture

I'm living in Philippines now most of the year and going to nearby Palawan next week. Should be interesting. Wanna to see it before need a Chinese VISA...

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:25 | 6972904 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

China pushing the envelope - hungry for war or seeing if the West will blink - now that China controls manufacturing?

Are iPhones worth it?  Career employment?  The Dollar?  Treasuries?

If history is a guide U.S. Command will "sell out"!

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:26 | 6972918 Spitzer
Spitzer's picture

Bullshit. The US sets the rules in their favour and then calls it freedom of navigation. The Chinese are not insane. There is a reason why they are doing this

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:29 | 6972927 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

Right, that is what I was saying, U.S. will roll over for China.

The rest of Asia should take notice; Hawaii next...

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:12 | 6973121 uhland62
uhland62's picture

US is only 4 point something % of global population, China 16/17 %. Oh, I forgot, Russia is going to overrun us all, they are 2 % of global population.

They have all failed to get along and now they are telling Iraqis, Syrians, Libyans 'why don't you settle your disputes peacefully and get along?' 

I think China will prevail unless we think the Spratlys and associated issues are worth WWIII. Not sure that I really care who owns these islands. They all play their power games and fleece the little guy, which I experienced in more than one country. There's definitely no guarantee of justice from the western democracies, the others is for others to decide.  

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 03:57 | 6973266 ebear
ebear's picture

Ask not for whom the Jingo-bells toll.

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 23:40 | 6972954 Omega_Man
Omega_Man's picture

great place for china to test it's new missiles... roasted students

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:00 | 6973675 zhanglini
zhanglini's picture

stupidents

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 00:06 | 6973027 Buster Cherry
Buster Cherry's picture

Amazing how far they've come with those islands given they can barely open their eyes.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 00:30 | 6973066 RevIdahoSpud3
RevIdahoSpud3's picture

They're more focused? Squinting your eyes eliminates bright lights and surrounding distractions.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 00:32 | 6973072 BarkingCat
BarkingCat's picture

Their days are very long. It is still morning there.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 00:21 | 6973048 I-Engineer
I-Engineer's picture

Lu Kang may tell the Philippinos to GTFO but Lord Raiden would have something different to say.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:05 | 6973110 theallseeinggod
theallseeinggod's picture

The Vietnamese started with the artificial island building. Where was the outrage back then?

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 01:12 | 6973124 I Write Code
I Write Code's picture

Interesting that Taiwan is ceded to the Chinese side of the line!

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 03:02 | 6973234 Kaeako
Kaeako's picture

That's just the Chinese claim, they still hold that Taiwan is a part of China. It's temporarily ruled by fascists, but sooner or later the PRC will liberate it and bring peace.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 07:32 | 6973415 Monetas
Monetas's picture

There is a large Italian population in Taiwan Do ?

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 04:17 | 6973277 Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain's picture

It's good to be big and powerful. Good-bye PI, hello China.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 07:27 | 6973409 Monetas
Monetas's picture

All the socialists are still fighting the cold war .... life has passed them by .... how pathetic ?

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 07:35 | 6973422 Monetas
Monetas's picture

Dividing disputed water .... should be done with a ruler and compass .... Google maps would be helpful .... it appears the Chinese are using the new .... nigger math ?

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 07:46 | 6973431 Panic Mode
Panic Mode's picture

They are just having a beach party. Right? China should just keep on building islands, then build beach resorts, discos and bars. Look at those Spanish holiday places.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 11:20 | 6973920 Septicus Maximus
Septicus Maximus's picture

Fuck the Chinese FUCKS.  FUCK THEM

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 12:35 | 6974236 honestann
honestann's picture

I've never seen a thorough article that lays out all the history and so-called/fictional "international law" related to these disputes.  Anyone know of such an article?

My general impression is that China is being absurd in at least some of these claims (maybe all of them, but I have no way to know).

But... it seems like everyone has an opinion, but do any of them base their opinion on anything real, or just emotions, or "choose sides and root for your side"?

-----

Of course the bottom line is the following.  So-called "nations" are fictions, as are "laws" (including so-called "international law").  So the factually correct answer to these disputes is "anyone who wants to be there, can be there".  Humans are not lower on the ladder than seagulls, and seagulls go wherever they wish without claims of violation.  Gads, what silly creatures humans are.

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 18:58 | 6975752 BarkingCat
BarkingCat's picture

I cannot speak for seagulls, but there are lots of animals that are territorial.

 

Thu, 12/31/2015 - 18:58 | 6983760 honestann
honestann's picture

By choice, not by force.

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!