There’s hoping the President’s talking points in his nearing visit to Singapore and Indonesia would confront a tense spot—West Philippine Sea—one that would rather keep its Asean allies closer.
Congenial especially to the framework of mutual support for resource extraction and freedom of navigation, and to the view that any military violation of territorial integrity is a threat to the security of all regional citizens.
“In this age of rising tensions among the world’s top powers, common understanding among middle powers like us, the Indonesians, and the Singaporeans would be reassuring,” lawmaker Joey Salceda said.
A solid Asean upholding a shared interest in these waters will keep dramatic aggression in the contested waters at bay, according to Salceda.
“This is a geopolitical context that is very prone to miscalculation. The US is trying to regain its status as the world’s preeminent power. China and Russia, and other emerging powers are seeking to challenge that.”
Salceda argued reiterating that Asean will mind its own business, including Asean waters in the South China Sea, “sends a signal that we are not interested in the games of Great Powers, but that we will help each other keep these seas open.”