Why Manila’s call for softer tone will not ease South China Sea tensions with Beijing

AI Summary

A Chinese analyst argues that Manila's more conciliatory rhetoric is unlikely to reduce tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. The assessment points to limited influence by the Philippine foreign ministry over maritime policy and enforcement, despite its call to avoid inflammatory statements.

Manila’s efforts to strike a more conciliatory tone towards Beijing are unlikely to ease tensions in the contested South China Sea, a Chinese analyst has cautioned. This was because the Philippine foreign ministry held minimal influence over actual maritime policy and enforcement operations, the South China Sea researcher said. The assessment follows a rare public rebuke issued on Sunday by the Philippine ministry, cautioning officials against inflammatory rhetoric directed at China and calling...