The Philippines must fend for itself in asserting sovereignty in disputed waters that fall within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, as events of recent memory have shown that it cannot rely either on Beijing or Washington to get its fair share of justice even if the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in July last year in favor of Manila.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) has not been remiss in flagging the situation to the point of slamming China’s future intentions. Its director, Gregory B. Poling, could not be any more succinct in reading the motives behind China’s massive reclamation in contested waters.