FORMER ambassador Jaime Bautista believes that it is "not in the interest" of China to wage war over issues concerning the South China Sea (SCS) since it needs peace and stability in the region to advance its global economic agenda.
In this handout photo taken on June 30, 2023 and received from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on July 5, a Chinese Coast Guard ship (R) allegedly blocks Philippine Coast Guard patrol ship Malabrigo, as it escorts a Philippine Navy re-supply mission near Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China sea. Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP