26 July 2019
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Official: Tourism Would Bolster Philippine Claim to Disputed South China Sea
Official: Tourism Would Bolster Philippine Claim to Disputed South China Sea
A proposal to put tourist hotels on a Philippine islet in the South China Sea could boost Manila’s broader maritime sovereignty claim as it tries to hold off its more powerful rival, China, experts said. Assoc Prof Alan Chong of RSIS Singapore said, “Tourism as I understand it is a form of virtual occupation and a statement of sovereignty, because tourism means that there is legitimisation of civilian activity in these so-called contested territories. It’s a way of ensuring that these islands will be perpetually occupied.”
RSIS / Online
Last updated on 01/08/2019
