Last week felt special. A profound sense of vindication was in the air. The seventh anniversary of the Philippines’ historic arbitration award, hosted by the ADR-Stratbase Institute at the Manila Polo Club, was both festive and triumphant. Dignitaries from all major allies and partners were in attendance. And so were leading policymakers, experts, and advocates who tirelessly defended the Philippines’ sovereign rights. The mood was unlike any of the previous anniversaries, which coincided with the tenure of the most unabashedly pro-Beijing president in Philippine (if not Southeast Asian) history.

Read More–>Why the WPS arbitration award is a victory