CHINA’s unilateral sanctions against Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. may look, at first glance, like another episode in the now-familiar diplomatic boxing match between Manila and Beijing. China says Teodoro has repeatedly made irresponsible remarks. Manila calls the sanctions an unfriendly act. Teodoro shrugs it off and vows to continue defending the Philippines’ maritime rights and claims in the disputed waters of the South China Sea (SCS) vis-à-vis China. The political choir then sings its predictable parts: sovereignty, sovereign rights, intimidation, international law, West Philippine Sea (WPS), rules-based order, and so on.