Pundits and politicians fear the joint development that the Duterte administration is exploring with China in the disputed areas of the South China Sea. Entering into such agreement, these folks say, would “legitimize” the claim of China, which they believe has already been invalidated by the decision the arbitration court at The Hague issued in July 2016.

Sasot, S. R. (2018, June 05). The feared joint development with China. The Manila Times, p. A6.