Can China de-escalate?

ON May 15, a civilian maritime convoy from Zambales, made up of 100 mostly fishermen's boats with their coast guard escorts, and intended to assert the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish in Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), which China has occupied since 2012, succeeded in penetrating the contested waters and distributing 1,000 liters of diesel fuel and 200 food packs to poor fisherfolk.

The convoy, sailing under the banner "Atin Ito" (This is Ours), arrived at its destination after eluding a Chinese blockading force composed of at least four Chinese coast guard ships and 26 large Chinese maritime vessels, according to reports.