Author: Aaron Rabena

Territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea have been a major irritant in Philippines–China relations. When Rodrigo Duterte became president in 2016, a policy decision to underscore pragmatism in relations with China and opt for a moderated approach to dispute settlement in the South China Sea became clear. In November 2018, China and […]

Pompeo’s reassurance on the South China Sea may assuage Philippine anxiety over one aspect of the treaty, but the agreement is more complicated and some in Manila worry over just what circumstances would persuade Washington to uphold the treaty—or demand that it be upheld.