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The speed at which China has escalated its assertive manoeuvres in the West Philippine Sea aligns with the broader context of contemporary internation

The likely announcement by Philippine President Duterte of the Scarborough Shoal as an environmental marine sanctuary and off limits to fishermen could prove to be the first incremental step towards defusing the South China Sea disputes and in the process endow considerable strategic advantages to Beijing.

The new US position has been a shot in the arm for the ASEAN, but they are acutely aware of Beijing’s clout.