This 2023 was opened with a historical encounter—President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. embarking to Beijing for a sit-down with China’s President Xi Jinping. Many promises and arrangements were on the agenda, with conversations jumping from durian exports to bridge constructions. Yet, there was one matter looming through everyone’s minds—the long-disputed West Philippine Sea. This “elephant in the room” has been a recurring topic for over eleven years; yet, it is continuously left in its static state. It begs the question: will it always remain unaddressed?