Manila seemed to have softened its stance by claiming that it is willing to quickly start direct talks with Beijing following the verdict and to share natural resources with China in disputed areas. It sounds positive at first, but it is more like a trap.

The Philippines has skillfully made a precondition. Perfecto Yasay, Philippine foreign secretary, stated in a recent interview that the country is open to collaboration with China in jointly exploiting the fishing grounds and gas reserves of Huangyan Island, a part of Manila's exclusive economic zone.

The implication was clear - cooperation is welcomed, but under the condition that the contested area is the Philippines' turf.

If China accepts, it means Beijing acknowledges the disputed waters belong to the Philippines. However, if China, which has always been calling for collaboration, turns Manila down, Beijing will be accused of failing to honor its stated commitment.

Manila has turned a blind eye to China's constant and clear position - in terms of territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation. Beijing will never accept any means of dispute settlement imposed by the third party. In the case of the South China Sea arbitration, China is not going to negotiate with the Philippines based on any award of the arbitration tribunal or Manila's unilateral prerequisite that the disputed area is a component of its own territory.

Cooperation must be honored, but no preconditions should be attached. Decades ago, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping raised a proposal of "setting aside dispute and pursuing joint development." When it comes to long-standing disputes that are going nowhere, this is the most efficient and wisest solution.

As an energy importing country, the Philippines is confronted with energy crises every once in a while, and is still suffering from power shortages every summer. Offshore oil exploration is among the crucial solutions for the nation's further development. In this regard, the Philippines should be well aware that no third-country company would ever be willing to invest in disputed waters between Manila and Beijing. But in the meantime, China has not only the willingness, but is also capable of providing technology and capital for joint projects in the region with the Philippines.

 Manila needs to understand that the result of the arbitration amounts to nothing but a piece of paper. The Philippines can only acquire China's cooperation by abandoning the arbitration and rejecting the previous administration's wrong policies.

China will by no means agree to cooperation based on arbitration. If Manila sticks to it, China can exercise its right to safeguard sovereignty within its territorial waters at any time. The Philippines will have to face more serious consequences.