The Philippines on the Front Line — Can It Stand Up to China at Sea?

The Philippines is facing one of the most difficult strategic challenges in Asia: how can a much smaller country resist pressure from China without triggering a major conflict?

In this episode, we explore the Philippines’ struggle in the South China Sea, from coast guard confrontations and disputed shoals to the 2016 arbitration ruling, the BRP Sierra Madre, and Manila’s alliance with the United States.

We also look at the bigger geopolitical question behind the headlines: how can smaller states use international law, alliances, geography, diplomacy, and persistent maritime presence to make coercion more difficult for a far stronger power?