All eyes are on the Philippines and China to see how these two states will behave now that a milestone decision on the three-year landmark dispute case has been rendered. From the Philippines’ side, it is important to decouple national interests from great power rivalry or from abstract principles like freedom of navigation. The arbitration decision may not compel China to action in the immediate term, but will contribute to lingering suspicions about China’s real intentions in its near seas.

The Hague Tribunal this week issued a decision that will most likely become a tool in the hands of the defenders of the status quo. How events will develop will depend on Duterte’s disposition, China’s diplomatic sagacity, and America’s response. If the China and the Philippines are unable to meet somewhere in the middle, it is the “law” that China will reject.

After the South China Sea arbitration ruling, uncertainty and friction may increase in the region. However, the economic promise of China’s rise and the Asian century will only materialize with peace and stability in the region.

—— Opening Remarks at International Law Colloquium on Maritime Disputes Settlement (15 July 2016) Introduction I’m greatly honored to have the opportunity

The ruling at The Hague may well lead us nowhere. Indeed, it is possible that the outcome may lead us to a crisis of enormous consequence. Can we turn this crisis in to an opportunity?

China’s top envoy in Washington elaborates on why China rejects the arbitration on South China Sea, how China plans to deal with the disputes after the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and challenges the U.S. to “make the right choice” in relations with China.

The author argues that China should work to bring the Code of Conduct it has been discussing with ASEAN to a conclusion and continue to engage concerned states in dialogue. He also cautions that Washington must be careful not to inadvertently contribute to the militarization of the region.

The empire perspective thinks in hegemonic terms and emphasizes military power. The republic perspective thinks in multipolar terms and emphasizes diplomacy. These two perspectives are active in both the Democratic and Republican parties. In both parties, however, the empire perspective is dominant. Would a Trump presidency mean a continuation of the Pivot to Asia?

Following an international tribunal's announcement of its ruling on the South China Sea disputes between the Philippines and China, Chinese scholar Shen Dingli argues the Permanent Court of Arbitration overreached to consider a case which is about sovereignty in nature, adding the ruling runs counter to what an international convention is all about - respecting the rule of law while contributing to reconciliation.

China must keep in mind its significant interests in multiple aspects of the North Korea issue, as it tries its best to balance such interests under difficult circumstances and create conditions for improving China-DPRK ties while preserving its mutual security and stability goals with Washington and Seoul.