Fitch research unit sees PH-China tensions positive for Japan

RENEWED tensions in the West Philippine Sea may prompt the Philippines to seek funds for infrastructure projects from Japan instead, according to a Fitch-owned think tank.

BMI Research on Monday said the recent order by President Rodrigo Duterte for the Philippine Navy to occupy islands within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters raises political tensions between the two countries and “which poses a downside risk for China’s previously proposed investments in Philippine infrastructure projects.”