As tensions rise due to the disputed waters of the South China Sea we begin to see a number of different movements and methods seeking to resolve it.
Other than the actions of states and governments, a slew of initiatives have also come from regular citizens. In the Philippines, the move to reclaim the disputed waters by refusing to refer to is as the South China Sea and instead calling it the ‘West Philippine Sea’ has been a popular act. Now, people from all over Southeast Asia are beginning to take the same steps.
DIGITALGLOBE/SCAPEWARE3D VIA GETTY IMAGES
(Philippine fishing boat hit by China boat, Vietnamese crew rescues Pinoy fishermen)
A petition on change.org is appealing for support to have the South China Sea renamed to the ‘Southeast Asian Sea’. It was started by the Nguyen Thai Hoc Foundation, a non-profit organization which focuses on Educational, Cultural, and Civil Society. The petition specifically asks for ‘the Presidents and Prime Ministers of 11 countries of Southeast Asia, the President of United Nations Atlas of the Oceans, and the CEOs and Presidents of 12 geographic organizations around the world’ to support this bid.
Supposedly, the change in name should symbolize a stronger stance against China’s encroachment of international waters. The different Southeast Asian countries have by now experienced tensions or complications having to do with China’s aggressive behavior in the waters. The name reclamation is seen as a way to stand up against such acts.
It has gained over 90,000 signatures as of August 1, 2019. Their ultimate goal is to reach 500,000 signatures.
Would you sign this petition? Let us know why or why not in the comments!
