Why the Philippines May Take China to Court—Again—Over the South China Sea
TimeMAY 2023
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
With the China trip by US lawmakers led by Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Washington is again showing its commitment to restoring US-China ties. Now, it's up to China to build on that momentum and rethink its unfair treatment of US companies. Moreover, the PRC's devastating fentanyl exports would be a unique opportunity for Beijing to likewise show its willingness to improve relations at a little political or economic cost.
Establishment-critical narrative
While Schumer criticizes China's alleged unfair economic practices, he fails to mention that the US has added 42 Chinese companies to its export control list. On fentanyl, Beijing has already taken several measures, and by smearing China, Washington is evading its own responsibility for the drug epidemic at home. The PRC welcomes any improvement in bilateral relations, but any overtures from the US must be based on sincerity.