[sgbuffett]

ASEAN should take a firm stand on this as external forces encroach and threaten.

Much of the territory is well within Phillipines economic zone under international law.

Unfortunately Phillipines under invested in its navy and military tends to get bullied.

Singaoore is small ...but when Dr. M tries to play punk on our maritime zones we stand firm.

If you look from the map Phillipines claims are largely legitimate and strongest. Look at Spratly Island nobody was interested in these islands until oil was found. Then everyone claims it...but if you look carefully Phillipines is closest and it is within its economic zone...however because of internal squabbling within ASEAN ..they weaken phillipines position. They should really stop it and stand behind phillipines.

Same with other disputed islands ....if ASEAN fight among ourselves instead of following international law we invite outsiders who are greedy for territory to come in and stir trouble.