Larus Comments on Conflict in the South China Sea

Elizabeth Freund Larus, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs, commented in The Cipher Brief with war correspondent Holly McKay on recent attacks by China’s Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Larus indicated that Article IV of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty compels the U.S. to respond to an “armed attack” against the Philippines or its ships. Recent use of water cannon against Philippines vessels, injuring crew members, raises the question of defining the term “armed attack.” Larus cautioned the U.S. against drawing red lines, which Beijing will certainly cross to test U.S. resolve. Read more.