5 greatest regional threats, according to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — There are at least five international issues the Philippines considers the greatest threats to the Asia-Pacific region it belongs to.

In a recent interview with The Diplomat, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. said that face the rapidly rising region faces the problems of China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, tensions in the Korean peninsula, cyber-terrorism, climate change and human trafficking.

South China Sea tensions

China’s expansive nine-dash line claim and “massive reclamation” in a number of reefs claimed by the Philippines and other neighbors may pose great security risks, Cuisia said.

“The tensions in the South China Sea resulting from the actions taken by our northern neighbor is an international issue,” Cuisia said.

“China’s unilateral activities are not contributing to the de-escalation of tensions in the region,” he said.

Korean Peninsula

Cuisia admitted that “there’s not much that the Philippines can do” about the long-standing South-North Korea row.

“We are looking to the major powers to try to settle this issue,” he said.

Human trafficking

Manila has been cooperating with international organizations, security and enacted policies to combat the trafficking of persons for years.

“We have undertaken quite a number of measures to ensure that we guard against such a threat by enacting laws that protect our children and women,” Cuisia said.

Cyber-terrorism

“We are working closely with the United States in confronting this threat,” Cuisia said, without elaborating.

Philippines Congress enacted the Electronic Commerce Act in 2000 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act in 2012 to curb threats posed by cyber-terrorism and other computer-related crimes.

Government has been urged to pursue transnational initiatives, informal exchange of information and forge multilateral agreements to achieve a degree of cooperation and prosecution concerning cybercrime.

Climate change

Cusia said much of the solution depends on how determined are two of the world’s superpowers to combat its effects.

“We expect the major countries like the US and China to exert more efforts in addressing climate change,” he said. –Camille Diola (philstar.com)