Washington’s hardened position on Beijing’s claims in South China Sea heightens US-China tensions

Two MH-60R Sea Hawks at a drill in the South China Sea on July 6, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/Handout Two MH-60R Sea Hawks at a drill in the South China Sea on July 6, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/Handout
Two MH-60R Sea Hawks at a drill in the South China Sea on July 6, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/Handout
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
Opinion

Opinion

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III

Will China revisit South China Sea policy as Washington reaches out to Asean?

  • The US has acknowledged the 2016 tribunal ruling as it boosts its efforts to counter China’s attempts to consolidate its hold over the disputed waters
  • While Beijing is likely to dismiss Washington’s latest statement, it must reflect on why the US’ overtures are increasingly getting an audience within Asean

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III

Updated: 6:43pm, 12 Nov, 2020

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Lucio Blanco Pitlo III

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III is a research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, fellow at the University of the Philippines Korea Research Centre, lecturer at the Chinese Studies Programme at Ateneo de Manila University, and contributing editor (Reviews) for the Asian Politics & Policy Journal.