Philippines South China Sea approach

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos' comments come two days after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a barrier that Chinese ships had installed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippine Coast Guard described China's installation of the barrier at Scarborough Shoal as "a clear violation of international law.”

The "floating barrier" is intended to prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal, a China-occupied feature in the South China Sea.

Marcos is overhauling Philippine strategy, and the strategic shift is as significant as any in the region.

The Philippine leader did not mention China by name, but his comments were a clear reference to the growing frictions in the South China Sea.

Manila should change the narrative from a focus on “how to defend” against China toward a more active strategy of deterring China.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has asked the Philippines to respect what it calls Chinese sovereignty in the disputed waters.

Under Duterte, the Philippine Coast Guard has taken on a new prominence. But don't assume Manila is resorting to gray zone tactics.

The time is ripe for both sides to modernize their longstanding partnership.

Xi's visit was a feel-good exercise, spotlighting cooperation on the Belt and Road and even the South China Sea.

Realistically, joint development of resources is probably the Philippines’ best bet.