The Philippines must think fast to handle South China Sea disputes

As tensions with China escalate, Philippine strategists are divided on how to protect the Southeast Asian nation’s maritime security.

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“We certainly have prepared a range of options and [we stand] ready, if so called, after consultations in accordance with the treaty, to execute those shoulder to shoulder with our ally,” he said, underscoring a growing sense of urgency in Washington over its ally’s near-clashes with China in the hotly-disputed waters. The Philippine coastguard says that its flagship vessel sustained damage, raising fears over Manila’s ability to sustain its patrol and resupply missions across the South China Sea.