News Snapshot:
WRITING from Manila, I have to presume President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (BBM) had an unquestionably successful state visit to China, following the standard playbook for state visits. He was warmly welcomed on Tuesday, had his first talks with Chinese officials on Wednesday, was feted at a state dinner that same day, had further talks the next day, signed some bilateral agreements, and issued a joint communique to mark the end of the visit. Although the visit appears to have been rushed — state visits normally take at least six months to prepare, while this one was agreed upon only...
