VICTOR N. CORPUS
THE Philippines-China talks in May 2017 place the Philippines at a vital cross-road to war or peace. The choice of which road to take all depends on what strategy the Philippine negotiating team will adapt. A “win-lose strategy,” otherwise known as a “zero-sum game” will lead the Philippines to war; and end up with zero benefits: zero oil, zero gas, and zero fish, in addition to angering a neighbor that is now the largest economy in the world in terms purchasing power parity. The other road, which is a “win-win strategy,” will lead the Philippines to peace and progress. It involves settling the issue of sovereignty acceptable to both parties, and ensures that the core interests of both are addressed and satisfied.