From
a logical standpoint, we need to consider the possibility that the encroachment
on Philippine or international territorial waters is not the doing of the
Chinese people as a whole, but by a small handful of them who are in the
position (formally or informally) of political power and influence. It may even be reasonable to assume that there
could be a significant portion of the Chinese population who silently
disapprove, and even wish that they could undo, the infractions caused by the
powerful few. Therefore let us refrain
from immediately resenting the Chinese people as a whole. Pertinently, I am particularly encouraged by –
and I highly recommend – Gareth Evans’ article “Calming the South Seas,” published
yesterday on The Straits Times. Here is an excerpt:
"A sensible
way forward would begin with everyone staying calm about China's external
provocations and internal nationalist drumbeating. There does not appear to be
any alarmingly maximalist, monolithic position, embraced by the entire
government and Communist Party, on which China is determined to steam ahead.
Rather, according to an excellent report released in April by the International
Crisis Group, its activities in the South China Sea over the last three years
seem to have emerged from uncoordinated initiatives by various domestic actors,
including local governments, law-enforcement agencies, state-owned energy
companies, and the People's Liberation Army."
From
a spiritual standpoint, we need to recall that the Chinese people are a deeply
spiritual people. Just look around and
observe all the hallmarks of Chinese culture in Philippine society, and you
will see a pronounced belief in the afterlife and a life-encompassing faith in a
higher power.
Indeed,
some of today's most profoundly devout Christians -- modern day living
saints -- can be found among the citizens of Mainland China. I recall
with great fondness a most inspriring book I once read, "How Inscrutable
His Ways!" It covered the more than twenty years incarceration of the
Jesuit priest, Fr. Dominic Tang, S.J. Suffice it to say that he did for
Catholicism in China what Mandela did for civil liberties in South Africa, albeit Fr. Tang is far less known and celebrated. Please see http://www.amazon.com/How-Inscrutable-Ways-Memoirs-1951-1981/product-reviews/B0007BQ0VU
I for one believe that the Chinese people are good people. There may be a few who prefer to incite strife, but for the most part they want only peace -- for the sake of their children -- just as we and everyone else on the planet do. On that note, I highly recommend the following Prayer for Peace.
Prayer for Peace Among
Nations
O Almighty God,
the Father of all humanity,
turn, we pray, the hearts of all peoples and their rulers,
that by the power of your Holy Spirit
peace may be established among the nations
on the foundation of justice, righteousness and truth;
through him who was lifted up on the cross
to draw all people to himself,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
the Father of all humanity,
turn, we pray, the hearts of all peoples and their rulers,
that by the power of your Holy Spirit
peace may be established among the nations
on the foundation of justice, righteousness and truth;
through him who was lifted up on the cross
to draw all people to himself,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- William Temple,
1881-1944
