A bilateral approach will get the Philippines nowhere in its South China Sea dispute with China
Alan Robles says by seemingly cosying up to China, incoming Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appears willing to ignore carefully nurtured friendships in the region in favour of a relationship that can hardly be equal
Such a ruling would mark a victory for the multilateral diplomacy and “lawfare” waged by the government of President Benigno Aquino. But there’s a hitch: the decision will fall squarely in the lap of Rodrigo Duterte, who will be inaugurated as president on June 30. And the tough-talking populist doesn’t look like he knows what to do with the ruling.
‘Are you with us?’: Philippines’ Duterte seeks US assurance in South China Sea feud with Beijing
During the election campaign, Duterte’s pronouncements on foreign affairs sounded like the ramblings of a drunkard. Asked in one presidential debate what he’d do about the South China Sea controversy, he replied he’d jet-ski to the contested area and plant a Philippine flag. He offended Australia with a crude rape joke, expressed dislike for the US and hurled obscenities at the Pope, Singapore and the United Nations. Interestingly, he never once attacked China.
After winning the election, Duterte claimed his over-the-top remarks and profane language were merely campaign strategies, and he promised he’d be circumspect and behave once in office.
A mayor of Davao City for 20 years, Duterte swept to the presidency on a platform of peace and order, vowing to crush crime and corruption. He’s promised to execute criminals monthly (hanging is his preferred mode), solve Manila’s maddening traffic problem and change the country’s form of government.
