WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is "ineffective" in addressing rising tensions in the South China Sea, although the Philippines' strategy of publicizing its encounters with China in the disputed waters has generated international support for its cause, a US-based think tank said in an exclusive interview with The Manila Times.
Chinese coast guard ships (L and R) corralling a Philippine civilian boat chartered by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies to Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in the disputed South China Sea, on August 22, 2023. The Philippines accused a Chinese coastguard vessel of colliding on October 22, 2023 with a Philippine resupply boat as it travelled to a tiny garrison in the disputed South China Sea. Ted ALJIBE / AFP