But both these capitals probably need the confrontation to linger to appease domestic constituencies. The moment, for instance, Beijing renounces its claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea reefs, its legitimacy will quickly dissipate. Ironically, both Beijing and Manila are in a deathly embrace in this continuing squabble over a few rocks littering the South China Sea. By late Friday, the Executive Secretary, speaking as head of some maritime affairs committee, convened an unusual press conference. Over the recent period, given the skirmishes in the South China Sea and the dubious activities going on in some POGO hubs, that thin line could be breached.

Source: Philippine Star June 24, 2024 17:31 UTC