Final answer:
Stopping the conflict in the West Philippine Sea could involve diplomatic efforts, international arbitration, and geopolitical balancing. Sustainable peace may require establishing codes of conduct, fostering economic cooperation, and maintaining open communication between disputing nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the question of what can stop the conflict in the West Philippine Sea, we must look into the historical and current geopolitical dynamics of the region. The West Philippine Sea is a term often used to refer to the South China Sea's waters surrounding the western part of the Philippines, which are rich in resources and strategic value. This area has been a subject of territorial disputes, especially with the rise of China's assertive claims.
Stopping the conflict may require diplomatic efforts, international legal arbitration, and geopolitical balancing. The historical context provided by events such as the Spanish-American War, the subsequent American control over the Philippines, and the post-World War II arrangements reflect a long-standing interest of external powers in the region. During the height of the Cold War, economic conflict and military tensions were also major concerns, influencing the region's dynamics.
Efforts to reduce conflict have, in the past, included treaties to limit naval sizes and establish guidelines for military conduct. The collapse of such agreements in the 1930s, however, led to renewed conflict and World War II, suggesting that peace is fragile and requires constant attention. Today, strategies to prevent escalation may involve establishing clear codes of conduct for nations, creating trade and economic cooperation zones, and fostering open communication channels among disputing parties in the West Philippine Sea.
It's also noteworthy that geopolitics after the U.S.'s acquisition of the Philippines highlighted the importance of Asia as America's 'natural customer' according to Senator Albert Beveridge's 1900 speech, echoing sentiments about strategic interests in the region that persist to this day. Thus, understanding these historical sentiments is key to formulating paths toward de-escalation and sustainable peace.