Vikram Singh, senior advisor to the Asia Program at the Washington-based US Institute of Peace, said, “We are going to see more joint patrols in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and I think we’re going to see a lot more maritime awareness.” “I wouldn’t be surprised to see an agreement on illegal fishing, which is a major challenge, and a lot of it is done by the Chinese fishing fleet,” he added. The expert believes that strengthening civilian rather than military engagements is the key to de-escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Détente topbills talks. (2024, April 11). Daily Tribune, p. A4.