The China-Philippine Standoff in the South China Sea

The dispute between the Philippines and China concerning Chinese fishing boats in the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone ended in a standoff. The Philippines has sought support from the United States, which appears to be distancing itself from regional tensions to avoid jeopardising the trust between Washington and Beijing. China's attitude towards maritime issues has changed, allowing room for discussion. The author opines that China's outdated and flawed governmental structures need to be rectified.