The incident showed a number of
Filipino dilemmas in the defence of its claims, with its desire to take action restricted by a lack of military
capability and an economic dependence on China for trade and tourism. The Philippines has also sought to
engage the US, but has been unable to draw either the State Department or the Navy into particular dispute 33
situations; whilst the US expressed robust official support during President Aquino’s Washington visit in June
this year, there was no specific commitment to any particular South China Sea situation.