The world continues to struggle with how to contain the transmission and mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 416,000 people worldwide are reported to have died from COVID-19, and more than 7.3 million confirmed positive cases have been recorded so far. However, while COVID-19 has stalled many of the global activities and disrupted the way of life of majority of the world’s population, China has actively continued its expansionist agenda in the West Philippine Sea. International experts are wary about China’s aggression in the disputed waters, and see a paradox in its apparent generous support to countries hit hard by the pandemic as well as its advocacy for global coordination in managing the outbreak.

Manhit, D. (2020, June 12). China’s aggression amid global crisis. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A13.