With tension escalating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the protagonists ratcheting up their respective claims, it sure looks like the specter of war is not too far-fetched. But is it really? China, ironically, the main player here on account of its territorial claims and aggressive build up on islands and reefs claimed in part or in whole by other Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, will not likely oblige.

War is stupid [Commentary]. (2021, May 6). Daily Tribune, p. A5.