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This article examines the development of Sino-Philippine territorial disputes in the South China Sea during 1995-98. China's occupation of Mischief Reef in 1995 was part of a dual strategy of negotiation and occupation, influenced by domestic political factors. The weakness of the Philippine armed forces provided the People's Republic of China with an opportunity to extend its claims in the South China Sea, avoiding the possibility of military confrontation. The Philippines has pursued diplomacy to resolve the disputes, employing both bilateral and multilateral negotiations. Whilst these negotiations have met with some success, the primary issues remain unresolved. In its dispute with the PRC, the Philippines received unprecedented support from ASEAN, which viewed China's actions as damaging to regional stability. The United States provided very limited support to the Philippines as its vital national interests were not affected.
Introduction
The unresolved territorial disputes between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Philippines in the South China Sea have highlighted emerging trends and raised important issues pertaining to the security and stability of Southeast Asia. The disputes have not only had a significant impact on the shape of Sino-Philippine relations, but also underlined the important roles played by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States in maintaining regional stability. This article identifies and addresses the salient issues raised by the disputes.1 Firstly, the events of 1995-98 reinforce the notion that China is gradually expanding its presence in the South China Sea and concurrently indicating a willingness to settle the issue diplomatically. Secondly, the lack of a credible defence force has required the Philippines to negotiate with the PRC from a position of weakness, resulting in little concrete progress. Thirdly, during the dispute ASEAN was willing to take a united stand on the issue and indirectly rebuke China. The United States, on the other hand, was unwilling to commit itself to helping the Philippines militarily for fear of damaging its relations with the PRC.
Background
The territorial dispute between China and the Philippines centres around the ownership of about fifty small islands and reefs in the Spratly group in the South China Sea. The Spratly archipelago comprises more than 230 rock formations of varying sizes, the sovereignty of which is disputed by...