Malik M Aslam Awan
ERUPTION of Coronavirus, a deadly pandemic, which has stirred the whole world and created widespread panic amongst all citizens on the globe, irrespective of his territorial progeny, big powers as well as small countries are engaged in their hectic struggle to save their population from the deadly effects of Coronavirus. The pandemic has played havoc with all countries irrespective of their wealth or poverty, the economy of all countries have come down to shattering point.
Although the Covid-19 found its birthplace in China, yet the analysts have witnessed the fact that China had overcome the pandemic within a short span of time and had to face lesser havoc than that of other countries. China has incurred the loss of human lives and economy but it was soon on the track of economic progress. Intellectuals, scientists, historians wonder at the miracle that the birthplace of the pandemic China had suffered least and economic giants like America are still groaning under the heavy death toll and continued economic downfall. Although Covid-19 is a mammoth issue of the world, yet the intensity of other issues go unabated. The sufferings of pandemic need prime attention, yet other issues of the world cannot be ignored till indefinite time.
South China Sea along with Ladakh fiery situation are now the core issues of China. South China Sea, situation is growing to be more turbulent. Vietnam has, also, its stakes in the Sea. China claims a part of the Sea. Vietnam wants the use of South China Sea to explore oil and gas reservoirs in the Sea. Vietnam is now the head of ASEAN and had the privilege of being non-permanent member of Security Council. Vietnam may use its position to make the world forum to realize that its claim on China Sea is not unwarranted. Oil and gas are potential sources to make the economy of any country move ahead, to keep pace with the advancement of the fast moving world. Although for the time being the eruption of pandemic has made the Vietnam to divert its full attention on the fatal Covid-19, to alleviate its fatal effects on its populace, yet having recovery from the worldwide pandemic, Vietnam may revert to refurbish and reinvigorate its right on South China Sea and the turbulence in the waters may grow to be more vibrant. Vietnam has assumed the status of giving a clarion call to China to reverse in the Sea to its lawful foothold and vicinity.
American influence in the Philippines has decreased to minimum and due to the changing situation Philippines President Deutrit is shackle-less to work in free atmosphere. The chances of awesome drama on the pretext to curb terrorism have been decreased to the least. Mr Deutrit’s incumbency as President will end in 2022 and the big actor is not in a position to repeat a new episode of the old drama in any country. The changing situation of the world due to eruption of Covid-19 especially that of American economy obviously, the big giant will not be in a position to nab the weaker country under the pretext of terrorism curtailing measures. Analysts of stark right vision see the Vietnam as dark horse, having the viability to rise as a big threat to China. Manila has, also, a history of perturbed relations with Beijing. Reviewing the foregoing context, the analysts express apprehensions that the spark in ashes may turn into flames anytime. Turbulence with the Philippine and Vietnam may put China’s interests in jeopardy. China, being fast growing, economy is required to be vigilant of the developments taking place fastly in the region. To act as a rampant horse may prove detrimental to China. Vietnam and Philippine both are weaker to counter the strategic strength of China, yet being united to achieve their goals may put China in troublesome situation. Sometime little threats grow more dangerous to put the entity of a giant at stake.
To diminish the role of America on world affairs, China may put forward some actors, to boost its strategic as well as economic hegemony over the earth. America always acts as blind elephant to trample every country under its feet, therefore, every country is cautions of American strategy, having due diligence towards American policies. America wants to see every region of earth burning in flames of continued wars. War on terror is a great weapon at the hands of America to put a country in war-like situation. If due to the hegemonic policies of America, conflict of interests finds furtherance, it may grow wider to envelope the whole world into its enclasp. Coronavirus has perturbed the whole situation of the world, if any other issue develops into conflict, whole world had to face shortage of natural resources, oil and gas. Food shortage would be the second largest issue for the mankind. China, Philippine, Vietnam Malaysia are stakeholders in South China Sea. China, being desirous to assume the role of world giant, has comparatively softer attitude than that of America. Moreover, China is stepping forward in a cautions manner to assume the title of biggest power of the world, both strategically and economically. It is noteworthy, how China maintains its hegemony over the South China waters, boosting conflict of interests or appeasing the stakeholders, Philippine, Vietnam, Malaysia, mitigating the war-like intensity. Wars and conflicting interests never make any warrior a strong economy and nation. Wars destroy regions and amicable living entail prosperity and happiness. America and China, will have to re-design their strategy and move forward with amicable intent. The whole world is at unease due to Coronavirus and any expedition from any power may lead the whole world to smashing destiny. World powers require to follow visionary policies to promote and enhance the happiness of the world, instead of going antagonistic to humanity. Till 2025 world may witness astonishing changes. Observing the Indian mindset analysts have developed their opinion that India is a great risk to world peace and anytime it may lead not only South Asia but also the whole humanity to a fiery situation and flames of war may go so viable as to spread on the whole globe.
—The writer is a freelance columnist and independent analyst based in Lahore.
South China Sea, turbulent waters
