The reaffirmation of Manila's ties with Washington during President Marcos' visit to the United States last week sends a 'stronger message' to China that the Philippines has 'powerful friends' it could count on, a maritime law expert said at a government briefing on Monday. 'Of course, China will be concerned because they will see that we are not just a small country, but a country with many powerful friends. And, hopefully, because of that, they might think a bit that we cannot just be cast aside, especially when it comes to the West Philippine Sea,' lawyer Jay Batongbacal said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/214740/presidents-trip-to-us-shows-ph-has-powerful-friends-expert

#inquirer