The responses' of the Philippines to people's Republic of China (PRC) actions on South China sea (2012)

South China Sea is one of the waters with potential source of hydrocarbons, fishery, as well as important world trade route and holds significant strategic and political importance in at once. Several of the sea bordering countries declares ownership of the islands in South China Sea to claim the surrounding sea and its resources especial~y the Philippines and People's Republic of China (PRC). This thesis elaborates the history of South China Sea dispute from 20022011 as well as the reason both Philippines and PRC claims area in the South China Sea. Moreover, this thesis also elaborates the response of the Philippines over the dispute in the South China Sea towards the actions of People's Republic. of China (PRC) particularly on the 2012 incident between both of countries happens in Scarborough shoal. When the incident happens, the Philippines realize that the PRC's actions in the South China ,Sea could harm the Philippines national security. As a response, the Philippines government then decided it is necessary to create appropriate policies and steps to protect both national security and national interests at the same time. As tools to analyze this study, the author used Realism, National Security, and Foreign Policy. As the conclusion, this research finds that The Philippines in its process maintains soft diplomacy with PRC as the first step hand in hand with strengthening the cooperation with other countries especially in the Southeast Asian region. The Philippines also trying to bring the issues into international forums such United Nations to seek permanent solutions despite the PRC itself insisted that the issues must be solved bilaterally and prevented any third or more party involvement. However, the Philippines also continue to strengthen its military through weaponry equipment acquisition and also renew the defense treaty with its allies to prepare for the worst possibilities