I am writing this article as a follow on to Allen's post “Who Is Really Overstepping the Bounds of International Law in the South China Sea?” International law is defined by consensus but ultimately decided by “reality on the ground”. Each claimant nation of South China Sea island should have absolute faith and belief in their position before submitting any claim. That is … [Read more...] about Involvement of Any Third Party in The South China Sea is Counter Productive
Philippines
Who Is Really Overstepping the Bounds of International Law in the South China Sea?
[Editor's Note: This is a cross-post of an article I submitted to the Diplomat a few weeks ago. I am wrapping up a more detailed legal analysis of the issues and aim to make it a law review article. I will cross-post here too that once that has been submitted and accepted.] When the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague recently announced that it would take … [Read more...] about Who Is Really Overstepping the Bounds of International Law in the South China Sea?
Two (Minor) Chinese Fishermen Returned from Phillipines Deny Poaching Sea Turtles
When the story of the Philippines Police arresting Chinese fishermen for illegally fishing sea turtles in Half Moon Shoal broke a few days ago, I immediately read saw in the news that families of fishermen highly doubt the veracity of that story since the fishermen did not leave with equipment to poach turtles... Well, here are a few more details from xinhua. QIONGHAI, … [Read more...] about Two (Minor) Chinese Fishermen Returned from Phillipines Deny Poaching Sea Turtles
On the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Between the U.S. and Phillipines
The U.S. and Phillipines leadership would like to portray their new relationship as rosy, strategic and deep. On the street though, talking to the average Joe, one might get a very different impression. Billed as the cornerstone of growing US and the Philippines strategic partnership and of the U.S. pivot back to Asia, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation … [Read more...] about On the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Between the U.S. and Phillipines
Malaysia Airline MH370 – American Media Fanning the Flame Wars
April 15 is tax day for most Americans. It is the deadline for Americans - rich or poor - to file and pay their taxes. But this year, it appears, it is also smear China day. You may think with so much things going on in the world, things to do, that perhaps for this one day, China might be spared unnecessary smearing. But it is not to be so. Last week, on April 15, both … [Read more...] about Malaysia Airline MH370 – American Media Fanning the Flame Wars