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I am writing concerning the international issue about the Chinese-Filipino diplomatic conflict about the sovereignty of the Scarborough Shoal - Huangyan Island for Chinese.
I believe the two countries' relationship will carry on getting worse if the Filipinos are not willing to comply with Beijing's requests and leave the disputed territory. 
Rightfully, the island belongs to China. The US and Japan shouldn't back the Philippines by putting diplomatic pressure on Beijing and providing coastguard vessels to the Filipinos. The conflict is between China and the Philippines and the issue should be resolved between the two countries alone. 
To strengthen the bargaining power of China, I think its first aircraft should be completed as soon as possible. China needs to increase its navy's military power and national strength. In addition, Beijing should also apply economic pressure on Manila.
Kam Chung-yin, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Chung-yin. I can see you have given this matter a lot of thought. It seems that the Philippines is being used in a chess game between China and the United States. The US is looking for a way to become more involved in the area, which includes stationing marines in Australia and increasing military relations with Vietnam. It wants to show it is still the dominant global power.
For its part, China is testing US resolve. It is waiting to see where the limits of US tolerance are. Ironically, China is has ratified the Law of the Sea treaty, which gives the Philippines fishing rights in the area. The US has not ratified it, and therefore it is unable to enforce it. The area is rich in resources and is also strategically very important. 
Susan, Editor



Beijing needs to flex its muscles