Courage in the face of intimidation

IN a taped interview with a Japanese television news team, I was asked about my reaction when I saw the latest video of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal. When I first saw what happened onboard, I admittedly uttered an expletive. Then, my impulse control kicked in. I viewed it again and noted the changes in the tactics being employed by the Chinese forces.

What's new in this long-running maritime feud between the Philippines and China? The axe and knife-wielding angry men caught my attention. It was like I was watching one of the crime documentaries I enjoy binging on in my spare time. (My wife stopped complaining about my habits when I told her these crime stories reminded me of my early days as a broadcast journalist, particularly when I was assigned to the police/crime beat.)