July 14, 2017

On the first anniversary of the landmark decision favoring Philippine claims in the South China Sea, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam—countries that together with China and Philippines have overlapping claims to hundreds of rocks and reefs that scatter the sea—should send President Rodrigo Duterte a thank you letter. For a good reason: his foreign policy flip-flops saved the peace in the region.

That’s according to a recent statement released by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “The Duterte administration reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements, but believes that the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea should further be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations,” the DFA said.

Read more:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2017/07/14/south-china-sea-brunei-malaysia-taiwan-and-vietnam-should-send-duterte-a-thank-you-letter/#21a3e4ee725d 

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