THE violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) is the source of tension in the South China Sea.

The relations between China and the Philippines have moved from push to shove. As China absurdly claims to have sovereignty over our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, the China Coast Guard prevented the Philippines from taking a sick Philippine Marine soldier out of the BRP Sierra Madre, its most violent action so far. While this action falls short of being an armed attack, China's gray zone tactics are illegal and create tension. China is desperate to intimidate the Filipino nation from protecting the nation's food and energy security.