Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the basic norm of international relations. The US is duty-bound to make a careful study of China’s solemn position on this vital issue and show proper respect for China’s sovereignty instead of taking provocative actions based on contrived legal interpretations.

If big powers show courage and set aside their differences, and work together in a just, balanced intervention under the framework international law, they will not only help the Syrians out of hardship and avoid long-term instability in the region, they may also find a new way to prevent similar armed conflicts in the future.

US naval actions in the South China Sea are about hegemony and power politics, a prevailing pursuit in the world in the 19th century, under the cloak of a 21st century pretense to safeguard freedom of navigation and international justice. The reality is: The US wants to check any expansion of Chinese power in the South China Sea.

Washington should talk to Beijing to establish their mutual respect for international law, instead of sending a warship so close to China’s islands, no matter if such rocks are natural or artificial.

American military interventions in the Middle East have played a big part in creating the problem, and Washington owes it to the world to be a leader in solving it.

While helping the people in the Middle East fleeing from conflict zones, the more important thing is to address the refugee issue from the root. The UN must play a leading role in promoting reconciliation in the wake of failed and arrogant US policies in the region, so that the Middle East can move toward stability that will allow its people enjoy a normal life.

China and its Eurasian neighbors likely discussed the future of Central Asian security while attending the Chinese military parade. Chinese leaders may have to assume a more prominent security role in Central Asia and talks with U.S. officials can make this process more manageable.

Apart from meeting China’s own defense needs, the activity is also based on a 1987 request from the United Nations. By constructing civilian facilities on the islands and reefs in a transparent way, China is contributing to navigational safety and raising the level of maritime cooperation in the region.

China’s plan to hold a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II is not about presenting militarism, but to offer a somber reminder of China’s will and capacity to sustain world peace. Beijing feels a responsibility to defend the post-WWII world order by upholding the justice of anti-Japanese aggression and anti-Fascist warfare.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III analyzes the historical and political contexts that have increased the strategic importance of the South China Sea (SCS) for the Philippines and China. Despite the obvious clashes in the SCS positions of the two countries, avenues for collaboration remain open.