Philippines' South China Sea stance diverges from ASEAN-China economic pragmatism

In May, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared to Japan's National Diet that Manila would commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling in July, emphasizing its dedication to resolving disputes peacefully. Nevertheless, the ruling has encountered substantial legal challenges, notably claims that the tribunal overstepped its authority, as China had previously excluded maritime delimitation and historical title disputes from mandatory arbitration through its 2006 declaration under Article 298 of UNCLOS. A decade later, unresolved disputes persist, with ongoing maritime incidents and increasing military deployments. In contrast, ASEAN has adopted a practical economic strategy, with China as its largest trading partner for five years. The Hainan Free Trade Port is emerging as a key hub for a China-ASEAN blue economy common market, enhancing trade and marine tourism, which contrasts with Manila's security-focused alignment with external powers.