P a c N e t 6 2 P A C I F I C F O R U M · H O N O L U L U , H I S e p t e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 4

the energy resources available from the South China The agreement would allow the Philippines to Sea. [...] If China continues to interfere, the Philippines China seeks to control the South China Sea because should take up the United States’ offer to assist in the it wants to control the resources therein and seeks to resupply missions. [...] The provisional agreement is an attempt by the PRC to build legal support for its otherwise The problem with the provisional agreement is that it illegal and unsupported South China Sea claims. [...] Second, the Philippines can continue to use the rule of law to assert its rights, such as it did in June when it filed a claim with the UN to extend its continental shelf. [...] The US, for its part, has the resources and legal skills to lend the Philippines 1003 BISHOP ST.