APEC Summit Now Over China Sea and Terror Attacks in France are Prominent Issues

By: Joe Mauricio

Military tensions with China in the South China Sea and the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement are the key issues discussed at the recent APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by the Philippines involving 21 Pacific Rim economies.

There were some caution from some member countries on how to respond to the recent Paris terror attacks. Some participating countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are predominantly Muslim countries, while others, such as the host country Philippines, has had long-running insurgencies by minority Muslim groups.

Not too far from Manila, the dangerous game of “chicken” is being played out in South China Sea, with American warships sailing close to a clutch of newly-made Chinese islands.

The islands’ annexations were done with admirable cunning ways. Each purloining was performed singly–bulldozers, radardomes, cement slip way and lighthouse, what’s going on seemed only a minimal threat or annoyance. The Philippines and other claimant countries to the islands were really annoyed. The closings of U.S. bases at Subic Bay and Clark Field in the Philippines created a military vacuum in the South China Sea, one that the Chinese were only too happy to fill.

Whatever happens in the days ahead, one thing is certain. The history of the large region has now begun to turn on its hinge. China is in the unstoppable ascendant. It is time for prudence on what could swiftly become a very non-pacific (peace) in the Pacific Ocean.

As the Philippines hosted 21 APEC member countries, Manila’s activist groups should not have allowed the flag of China to fly in Manila, as their sign of protest. *****

Paris, France endured one of the worst terror assaults since World War II. Dozens were murdered in coordinated attacks, including restaurants, conert hall, soccer stadium, and even food market. The President of France declared a national state of emergency and France borders were closed.

The Islamic State did not wait long to celebrate. Claiming “our crusaders are coming with bombs and rifles.” Winesses report hearing cries of “Allahu Akbar” along with gunfires.

Big cities like Manila are vulnerable targets, as we learned in 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India. No army in the world can stop a terror sneak attack, and they are willing to die and blow themselves up to meet the five virgins in heaven.

According to one report, the attacks were in retaliation for France’s participation in attacks on ISIS targets in Syria. We doubt if the French will draw the same lesson when it comes to fighting ISIS in Syria or anywhere else.

These attacks are another reminder that the West’s collective failure to defeat ISIS in its Syrian and Iraqi heartlands has already allowed the jihadist infection to spread into Afghanistan, Turkey and north Africa.

France has been a full partner with the U.S. in the campaign for air strikes against ISIS. This is the second time this year that the people of Paris have been subjected to security lock down amid rampaging jihadists.

In January 2015, they attacked the office of Charlie Hebdo, publisher of a satirical newspaper, along with a kosher supermarket–both targets reflect France’s commitment to freedom of thoughts and conscience.

At the most recent attack, France’s freedom of association was under assault, a fresh reminder that what’s ultimately at stake isn’t French Middle East policy. It is French Liberty.

The attacks in Mumbai, Cairo, New York and Tel Aviv stir a torrent of thoughts and emotions. They were all undertaken in the name of an extremist interpretation of Muhammed’s call to jihad (dying for Allah), which has been increasing and diversfying.

Let us honor the fallen victims of Paris attacks by pursuing a policy reflecting America’s true purpose–to offer hope for the future of mankind and for the freedom and dignity of people who have lived under deadly intimidations for years. ##

 

CONSUL GENERAL CALONGE Addresses the Illinois State Senate

Upon the invitation of Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge visited and spoke before the Illinois State Senate during the celebration of the Filipino American History Month on October 20.

Consul General Calonge thanked Senator Cullerton, a native of Chicago and Loyola University Law School alumnus, for the golden opportunity to visit and address the State Senate, as a special symbolic exercise in international relations facilitated by the Senate President.

The Consul General and former Philippine Ambassador to Israel highlighted the significant and longstanding relations between the U.S. and the Philippines, predating and lasting beyond the formal grant of independence to the latter on 04 July 1946.

Aside from enjoying excellent bilateral ties, the Philippines, Consul General Calonge noted, enjoys a much improved standing in the international community and as a choice investment destination due to the successes and gains in good governance instituted by the Aquino administration.

He pointed out that the recent forum on doing business in the Philippines held at the Morgan Stanley building in Chicago for Illinois-based companies, with PEZA Director General Lilia De Lima as special guest, was precisely part of the Consulate’s continuing effort to enhance the existing commercial relations between the Philippines and the State of Illinois.

Lastly, Consul General Calonge invited the senators’ attention to a pending piece of legislation before the U.S. Congress granting special recognition to Filipino Veterans of WWII (which is extended to American commanders and soldiers who fought in the Philippine theater) through the Congressional Gold Medal Act. Emphasizing its simplicity and import, he hoped that there would be a groundswell of bipartisan support and clamor in Illinois to add to the voices of Senators Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin, as well as Congresswomen Tammy Duckworth and Janice Schakowsky, and help push for the bill’s passage. END