Benigno Aquino III, Philippine president who revitalized country’s economy, dies at 61

In international affairs, his presidency is perhaps best remembered for its firm stance over territorial rights in the South China Sea. The Aquino administration led a case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration against China’s maritime claims in those waters. The court ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016, after Aquino’s term. But Duterte, who succeeded him as president, has largely avoided confronting Beijing.