Washington–Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos does not view the oil-rich Spratly territorial dispute as leading to war between China and the U.S., the Philippines’ treaty ally.

The Philippines and China are two of five Asian countries claiming Spratly Islands, in whole or in part. The Philippines and the U.S. are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty this year.

Ramos cited “the existing balance of power” between U.S. and China, as well as the emerging powers China and India. Likewise, unlike in World War I, World War II and the Korean War, he said “there are no nation-enemies out there.” He cited as enemies international terrorism, natural disasters, poverty and hunger and endemic diseases.

His address drew about a hundred guests on September 28 at the Heritage Foundation, a top conservative think tank in this nation’s capital.

Ramos said, “The global center of gravity is gradually shifting to the Asia Pacific, not because the U.S. is weakening, but because there are new centers of power in Asia–China and India.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas C. Hubbard introduced Ramos. Present in the audience were former US Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, now Distinguished Fellow of the Heritage Foundation; Asian Studies Center Director Walter Lohman, and Washington Roundtable for the Asia Pacific Press Director Nick Zahn of the Heritage Foundation.

Former Secretary Chao said in an interview: ““It is very nice to see President Ramos again and see that he is still full of energy, good health. It was very interesting to hear his perspective, analysis, and insight on U.S.-Philippine relations and the geopolitical situation in the Pacific region.”

Secretary Chao, then the Director of the Peace Corps, was selected by President George H. W. Bush to head the U.S. delegation to Ramos’ presidential inauguration in 1992.

Ramos also delivered similar lectures at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University. He was also on a book tour for “Trustee of the Nation,” his biography written by Dr. W. Scott Thompson, former assistant to the secretary of defense during the Reagan administration. His tour included New York, San Francisco and L.A.