China just won another battle in its conquest of the South China Sea – without even firing a shot.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has surrendered control of his nation’s fishing grounds.
“Subjugating the enemy’s army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence,” the ancient strategist Sun Tzu declared in his famous book, Art of War. It seems to be working well for Beijing.
Philippines President Duterte appears to be the latest victim.
Duterte this week addressed for the first time the crisis of hundreds of Chinese militia vessels swarming around Whitsun Reef and the Spratly Islands, elbowing Philippine boats out of their traditional fishing grounds.
After more than a month of international uproar, Duterte finally made his position clear.
He doesn’t want any trouble.