THE recently concluded 50th Asean Anniversary Summit in Manila, as expected, focused its attention on the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. Some quarters expressed hopes for the resolution of the dispute with the pending negotiations between Asean and China for a binding Code of Conduct and also the onset of bilateral negotiations between the Philippines and China.

Overlooked by many is the outcome of the 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which actually has a far greater impact on the West Philippine Sea dispute. The consolidation of power of President Xi Jinping, the chairman of the CPC, is not auspicious for a peaceful settlement of the West Philippine Sea dispute.

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