The US Navy last week, in its actions and official statements, in effect revealed what was really one of the real aims of the Philippines’ arbitration suit that President Aquino 3rd and his foreign secretary Albert del Rosario brought against China in 2013. It wasn't to win back for the Philippines islands or reefs it claims to own in the Spratly islands, which it alleges China grabbed from it.

Tiglao, R. D. (2019, November 25). US Navy confirms real intent of PH arbitration vs China. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A6.