Publication

In 2013 the Philippines brought a case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) over territory and maritime rights in the South China Sea. While the Philippines was successful before the court, the dispute between was not resolved. However, following his inauguration in 2016, Philippine President Duterte offered to ignore the court ruling for the time being, intensify economic relations and re-establish bilateral channels. This publication draws two key lessons from these events for dealing with China: 1) that applying too much pressure through legal instruments may increase China's resistance; and 2) that China's behavior can be influenced through strategies that respond positively to the country's core needs.