The language that has lately characterized statements from both sides of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) points to the need to consider the consequences of words before they are spoken. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said on Friday that China’s reclamation activities and militarization of the South China Sea were aimed at the United States, and not at the Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte explained that the US is scared of the idea of a war with China over the dispute on the West Philippine Sea, saying the cause is not worth sparking a third world war.

Remember Quemoy and Matsu in war-gaming the South China Sea. (2019, April 23). The Manila Times, p. A4.