Philippines’ belligerence towards China out of step with Asean trend (opens original article in a new tab)

The Philippines' confrontational stance on maritime disputes contrasts with China's economic cooperation approach, as the 2016 South China Sea ruling remains contentious without resolving regional tensions.

• Philippines' confrontational approach to maritime disputes has not resolved tensions and risks undermining Asean centrality
• China's economic integration with Southeast Asia has deepened through a cooperation-first strategy
• The 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling remains legally contested and has not resolved underlying disputes
• China-Asean economic ties have strengthened, making Asean China's largest trading partner for five years