International Relations Current Affairs Analysis
Context:
China and the Philippines reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government said on Sunday.
The Philippines occupies Second Thomas Shoal but China also claims it, and increasingly hostile clashes at sea have sparked fears of larger conflicts that could involve the United States.
The rare deal with the Philippines could spark hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other rival countries to avoid clashes.
Location: South China Sea