Regarding Mark Valencia's May 14 article, "Philippines-China spat tests ASEAN solidarity": Thanks for a nice article. I appreciated it because I have doubts that coincide with the writer's as to whether the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States and other countries with close ties to the Philippines will stand and support our country in case of armed conflict.
We only have our ego and fighting spirit to stand upon. In reality, we can't do anything to thwart Chinese military might even if we have a strong basis to support our territorial claims to Scarborough Shoal. We hope this standoff will not end with a military confrontation. I understand why ASEAN members are so quiet on the issue: There's not only China's military strength but also economic fears related to China's dominance in the region.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.