Lim Cherie Ann R.

AB Foreign Service, FS 302

International Political Economy
Jumel G. Estrañero
March 5, 2018

Philippines and its tangling relationship with the contending elites

US – Philippine relations have shared a long history with which both are committed in
strengthening both cultural, economic and military ties. But this shared safeguard between the
two does not extend to the territorial disputes which involves the South China Sea. In fact,
Philippines has become a key strategic position for the US and with that, US have become our
only guarantee, that we are more intertwined with them in terms of economics, and with security
in its relation with China and the South China Sea. But things have changed when president has
directed the country’s foreign policy into a more nationalist view, wanting to pursue an
independent foreign policy and have chosen to build ties with the Chinese government that is
very unlikely from the recent Philippine leaders who had built closer ties with the US to deal with
the Chinese threat. The president has become the center of attention for he has left scrambling
the media on his statements regarding his campaign again drugs and the intended separation of
the country from the United States, mainly in military and economics. US have become vigilant
of these human rights violations under Duterte’s administration, which grew concern over
developments that could affect the bilateral relations of both countries. On the other hand,
Duterte himself seemed to withdraw his troubling statements, telling media that, “total
separation is not possible” and what he actually meant was just “separation of a foreign policy”.
Philippine government officials attempted to clarify the President’s statement that the Philippine
pursuance of independent foreign policy implies a separation in order for us to boost our growth
and international relations independently while calling US as the “closest friend and ally” of the
country. As the president downgraded ties with America by threatening to oust US soldiers
stationed in the country, it is still a question how willing is the President to sacrifice our regional
security and its economic interests in being more favorable with China.
As we talk of the Duterte’s inclination towards an independent foreign policy, some
portion of this has the desire to have a better Sino-Philippine relations, even though the country
has faced difficulties of its territorial disputes, when Duterte has stated that we cannot fully stop
China from building facilities and at the same time when China opposed the tribunal decision and
has gone ahead in developing those disputed shoals into military occupied bases. In my humble
opinion, this desire of Duterte to deepen the Sino-Philippine relations has indicated positive
achievements for both countries like it has normalized the bilateral relations of the two countries,
China taking part in PH domestic and socio-economic agenda and most importantly, tensions in
South China Sea has lessened. In fact, Duterte’s engagement with China has already started to
produce economic dividends. The Philippines was able to secure billions worth of financial
assistance and investments, as a result of Duterte’s state visit to China. Unlike US, China delivered
its full support on Duterte’s war on drugs and anti-terrorism campaign by providing a million
worth of anti-illegal drugs and law enforcement projects. Multilaterally, both countries intend to
improve developing the nations’ infrastructure and economic conditions.
Now let’s talk about the US and China political-economic relationship. Globally, because
of China’s expanding economic might and its willingness to exercise it, there is a marked shift in
security concerns especially for the Americans as they see it as a threat to their international
stature as a hegemon. In fact, US excluded China in its Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as they
believe their trade practices are “unfair”. China and US both seek to promote and enhance their
power bases within their political system. For US, it means to regain their position as the
dominant superpower, while China, has the desire to be great power with its economic rise. On
the other hand, with the escalating tensions in the SCS, both countries have played a role in the
ASEAN region, including visible military presence that is depicted by others as a “perceived threat
that will result in a clash”. But for this countries, avoiding conflict means to address more
important concerns rather than their pursuance of one’s interests.
Because of these love affair relationships between the three countries, in my honest
opinion, I would like to see Australia to engage with these countries anytime soon. Having a
wealthy position and standing globally, I assume that Australia would give an advantage as a
negotiator where critical issues and potential conflicts in SCS will determine the agenda. I also
think that they should play an active role and take a stance towards the growing security issues
within SCS, and uncertainty over the rise of other powers especially US and China.
Assuming that Philippines consider to develop a stronger ties with China, it does not
totally meant to separate from the US at all. We could consider that this is because of the defense
diplomacy that the Duterte administration is trying to imply towards the Chinese government
over the issues of disputes. On the other hand, economic, trade and foreign investments would
likely to be the source of tension that stemmed from simple misunderstandings that has
contributed to an unnecessarily “antagonistic” relationship of the US and China. These negative
perceptions are supported by insecurities in the mindsets of both countries and mirrors the
mistrust between their respective leaders. Hopefully, we must hope that both American and
Chinese government are capable of such statesmanship to avoid more serious conflicts.
Talking about conflicts, I believed that it war is possible to happen anytime soon. To
consider that PH military strength is not capable to engage in wars to defend our territory against
formidable countries like China, it is most likely to see the government embrace opportunities
that will result into a positive secured relationship towards China. However, China will continue
with its objective to control the disputed islands by means of force, occupation and coercion. The
position of US here is that it will continue to play an indirect but important role as an ally of the
Philippines over Chinese claims and actions in SCS. And because war is very costly, China and US
are most likely to keep the dispute in a proper perspective.
Moreover, it is very important for the Philippines to continue its defense diplomacy to
pursue deeper relations with China, at the same time maintaining alliance with the US. We have
to balance as well our initiative to pursue our own national interests without resulting into a
serious conflicts. We should also pursue to improve our relations with countries like Australia
and India that might help us in securing our regional security landscape over the China’s
assertiveness. Lastly, the Philippines must continue to balance its relations with its long-time ally
US and the increasingly powerful China.