America’s positive relationship with the Kingdom of Hawai’i in the face of French and British aggression is instructive for how to approach Asian nations threatened by China today

Unlike the Vatican’s acquiescence to the CCP, the Roman Catholic bishops of the Philippines are resolute against Beijing’s ambitions in the South China Sea

China is engaging in grey zone warfare in the South China Sea

Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack, a joint American and Filipino army desperately defended the Philippines against a Japanese invasion while fighting on both the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island. Despite dim prospects for outside help, the garrison seriously delayed the Japanese timetable for conquest in the Pacific.

With Duterte, many felt heaven’s justice had come, wielding (symbolically and literally) the sword entrusted to government against evildoers. And despite international criticism, the Filipino people widely approve of the Duterte way. When offered the choice between vigilante justice and no justice at all, a downtrodden people will choose the former every time.