While working to improve its economic relations with China, the Philippines should pursue regional cooperation with other countries to maintain stability in the region, especially in the West Philippine Sea, where Beijing has been aggressively expanding its military presence. An independent think tank, Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) for International Studies, made the statement Sunday, as it also emphasized the need for Asian nations to be on guard against China’s assertive dominance in the region. “While Asia recognizes that China has long been an important force for economic prosperity and security in the region, there should be resistance when Beijing becomes overzealous in asserting this dominance,” said Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit. Location map photo courtesy of datemplate.com And for the Philippines, Manhit said that “improving the country’s economic partnership with Beijing under a Duterte presidency need not be mutually exclusive with efforts to develop a credible [...]
