President Duterte’s decision to set aside the Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claims to most of the South China Sea has led to the healthy environment of dialogue, cooperation, and development in the region. Foreign affairs experts, however, see things on the contrary positing that the Philippines is actually in a worse situation in the West Philippines Sea. Although the Duterte administration remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements, it also believes that the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea “should further be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations.”

Mabasa, R. C. (2017, July 13). DFA cites improved ties with China amid maritime dispute. Manila Bulletin p. 2.