Japan, U.S. and Philippines align to combat China’s reach

MANILA – No nation has a extra instant sense of China’s aggressive impulses than does the Philippines.

Philippine fishermen are commonly harassed by Chinese language maritime militia and navy, typically denied entry to conventional fishing grounds; its navy has engaged in literal tug of wars over missile particles present in its waters; Manila has been deceived in diplomatic negotiations over disputed territory; and it has gained arbitral courtroom rulings that have been ignored or dismissed by the Beijing authorities. Manila’s protests go unheeded as Chinese language forces carve away at Philippine territory.

That historical past ought to make the Philippines the poster youngster for cooperative efforts to bolster Southeast Asian safety and stability. To place it one other method, if involved nations can’t rally behind Manila, then there’s little likelihood of success elsewhere within the area. Whereas the chances stay lengthy — regional governments stay able to avert their eyes to China’s misbehavior — conversations in Manila final week present some causes for optimism.