Is Indonesia’s ‘big brother’ role in South China Sea dispute a model for the Philippines?

Analysts at the forum titled “West Philippine Sea: Impact on Trade and Investment” organised on October 25 by the Philippine Business Club in Indonesia said Manila’s efforts to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea are beginning to yield positive results.

The speakers noted Indonesia’s bilateral ties with the Philippines, with one analyst calling for reciprocal efforts from Manila in economic investments, so both sides may leverage their Asean membership and work with their neighbours for regional stability based on a rules-based order.