China and Russia thrive on annexationsTHE world is not really back to the days of the Cold War, the bipolar word of the past. Do not expect China—and Russia for that matter—to honor the international court rulings and international mediations that do not favor their self-interests. One last word on the China issue: Let Justice Carpio talk on what the Court’s ruling is all about. China is bold because of its superior military, about two decades of rapid military buildup and a standing army of over 1 million. The nine-dash line, or the basis of China’s claim over the West Philippine Sea, belongs to a cartographer’s wildest fantasies.

Source: Manila Times July 16, 2016 14:15 UTC