Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro may be right. There's no point talking with China over conflicting territorial claims if it will not be anchored on "sincerity and on the fundamental principles" of a rules-based international order.

China's expansive territorial claims, based mainly on historical narratives, have raised tensions and led to confrontations with neighboring countries, including the Philippines.

Teodoro argues that historical attempts at diplomatic resolutions have yielded limited results. Past agreements, such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, have yet to be fully implemented, and China's actions in the region have raised doubts about its commitment to peaceful negotiations. He contends that relying solely on diplomacy has not deterred China from advancing its territorial claims.

He says Beijing would only exploit any negotiation with Manila to constrain the latter from enforcing its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. China, as everyone knows, claims nearly the entire South China Sea, which overlaps the WPS. The dispute has been a long-standing and contentious issue between the two countries.

Teodoro may point to the power imbalance between the Philippines and China as a significant hurdle in diplomatic negotiations. China's assertive actions, including the construction of artificial islands and the militarization of the WPS, have been perceived as coercive tactics.

In the face of such actions, Teodoro and probably most Filipinos, too, must feel that diplomacy alone lacks the leverage needed to compel China to adhere to international norms and agreements.

The Philippines pursued a legal avenue by bringing the WPS dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013, which resulted in the landmark ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016.

However, China rejected the tribunal's decision, and Teodoro argues that even a legal victory has not translated into a change in its behavior. This rejection may have reinforced the perception that diplomatic efforts, whether legal or otherwise, have a limited impact on China's actions in the WPS.

Critics of Teodoro's stance, however, may emphasize the importance of dialogue as a fundamental tool in resolving international disputes. Diplomacy allows nations to find common ground, build trust and explore peaceful solutions.