It doesn't seem China is all that interested in talking to the Philippines....even if the Philippines could find a geriatric in good enough health to make the short flight to China. I believe China is sending a clear message here: From the same article. Seems to me the Chinese are only going to talk to someone that has the capability to throw a significant amount of hostile aircraft up on their radar and show some naval superiority in the region.....and I don't think think a couple squadrons of trainer jets or the Philippines' hand-me-down navy is going to accomplish that. Even if the Philippines could manage to fuel up, arm and man every one of their ships (and I have serious doubts they could) they still wouldn't even be able to compete with just the South Sea Fleet alone. I know the "speak softly and carry a big stick" ideology isn't really an option to the head honcho of the Philippines but perhaps with a bit of diplomacy, a few phone calls and favorable deals perhaps the US would be willing to bring their stick to the playground.
Oh yeah, Duterte knows he's out gunned by China. Maybe he's hoping diplomacy will give him enough time; until Jan 20, 2017, when a guy with a real pair of balls takes over as USA Commander In Chief.
I did read that the PI could request a peace kkeeping force from the U.N.. I think China could veto such a request. Duterte has made a few comments that suggests he is not a big fan of the U.S.. He said VFA and Edca(?) Agreement needs to be revisited. The good people of Mindanao want the U.S.out before they will negotiate.
USA doing all the secret deals with the other little countries involved, and will drop the Phils in a heartbeat if it gets its way, and as everyone knows without USA intervention, Phils would be just another Scarborough shoal for the Chinese to build on. having been in China now 6 years I can tell you there is now way in the world they will give up one drop of water, no way jose, and if any of you think the USA will actually make a physical response besides training and muppet wargames you must be living on cloud cuckoo land all the tv, radio, newspapers is anti anti anti philippines, not a good time to be Filipino/Filipina in china
Recently the U.S. has started to sell weapons to Vietnam. That deal was news on CNN recently. If the PI falls out with the U.S., it may be no skin off the teeth of Uncle Sam.
Without Internat ional support, Philippines is a minnow in a sea of Sharks. The UN is a total non event. Sanctions against China seems the first step but who is going to step up? I see Japan has indicated that it will increase trade with Philippines in light of China's ban on its products. That is a start.
