GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
A Fishing Boat Attack Highlights the Rocky Status of U.S.-Philippine Defense Ties
Aug 5, 2019 | 09:30 GMT
(TED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images)
Highlights
- Washington is hesitant to react to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's informal call for the U.S. Navy to act against China in line with the country's Mutual Defense Treaty.
- But in the wake of Chinese aggression against Philippine interests in the South China Sea, Manila is likely to continue questioning the utility of the pact unless Washington provides more forceful backing.
- Ultimately, a lack of action to oppose China will allow Beijing to fortify its position in the South China Sea.
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