U.S.A over China: The Philippines Picked | Shifting Geopolitics in West Philippine Sea

China’s efforts to bully its neighbors into assenting to its demands and preferences have failed and led Asia's democracies to deepen security cooperation with the United States.
Since the dawn of international politics, smaller states have faced the formidable challenge of navigating great-power rivalries. Today, it is the geopolitical contest between the United States and China that has compelled countries to balance their competing national interests, toward which side they gravitate depends on domestic and external circumstances.
Consider the Philippines, which has an interest in maintaining both its growing economic ties with neighboring China as well as its half-century-old security alliance with the US. The Philippines’ last president, Rodrigo Duterte, placed greater emphasis on the Chinese, turning sharply away from the US and toward China after his election in 2016.

Duterte’s successor, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., has so far taken a more prudent strategic approach. Deeply concerned about the territorial disputes fueled by Chinese claims in the South China Sea, Marcos has decided to reaffirm and enhance his country’s partnership with the US.
To this end, the Philippines has decided to grant the US access to four more military bases – for a total of nine – with additional sites in the future – some of which are located near disputed areas of the South China Sea. American troops rotate regularly through the designated bases. The US and the Philippines have also agreed to resume joint patrols in the South China Sea, which, under Duterte’s, were suspended for six years.

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[petedinglas]

The shift of allegiance happened because of geopolitical interests as observed from these two powers.

The Philippines was under control of colonial powers for most of its history.
The US was the last colonial power which bought it from Spanish and ruled it for 50 years, and stayed on in the country as an allied occupier until 1992.
In retrospect, although the US was a colonizer and an enemy, it has shown understanding to the will of the people to be free and independent and granted it in 1946. And by showing a civilized and conscientious behavior, the endearment and trust has progressed to a reliable and enduring partnership.
The US left the military bases in the Philippines based on understanding and agreement, and in respect to the independence it granted to the nation. It abandoned its bases without much fanfare in the aftermath of Mt. Pinatubo eruption, But most of all, the US left without forcibly claiming any part of the nation for its own use as a territory and as their military base, considering the existing of the likes of Guantamo base in Cuba.
In spite of some mistrust and political animosity between the two nations, the long and fruitful relations has survived the challenges in over the last 3 decades.

The Philippines was not and will never be a invasive nation and its people is peace loving.

The Duterte pivot to China was a misterpretation of history and misreading of current political developments worldwide. It is seen by most Filipinos as a lack of knowledge of international diplomacy and an inherent weakness in political and myopic historical understanding.

China was a long time neighbor, but its friendliness is always seen and regarded with malicious intent. The 9-dash line claim surfaced sensing the military weaknesses of its neighbor, and from its ambition to become the next world power.

The Marcoses is always a misunderstood clan but its clout is beneath the common political landscape known to the world.

China's veiled interests is now exposed, and it's alarming not only to its neigjbors but to the world.

I wonder if the world would tolerate such bravado and bullying, it' spying and silent invasions of other nations.

[henryabuela]

Democratic ideals must live. It is the ultimate aspiration of the fallen Filipino heroes, and of the present and future generations.

[JacksonCaritero]

GOD bless and more power UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AND PHILIPPINE MABUHAY TAYONG mga PILIPINO.. God bless and more power Mr president BBM.

[liarliar]

BBM didn't choose. He was chosen. The Philippines is a part of the first island chain.

[norielhiagmata]

More Power Both Philippines 🇵🇭 USA to the allies...God Protect 🙏 both

[ReynaldoCezar]

USA is better to be with commitment as we had good and encouraging moment.

[DeborahOlson-rn]

Duterte was a big mistake in the Philippines. In my own opinion the Congress needs to make a bill to check the mental capability of a Candidate if he is suited for the position. When it comes to President position, should have a strict requirement so it won’t compromise the future of the Country.

[GuestUseraccount-yv]

The Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan must form an Asian NATO. Others can join if they want to, but the core must be these four. The Philippine military's experience in war goes back to the 1890s from the war of independence against Spain, Philippine-American war, World War 2, Korean war, against the communist insurgency of the HUKBALAHAP, NPA, MNLF, MILF, most recently crushing ISIS, and up to the present time. The Philippine military has over 100 years of continuous, almost uninterrupted, combat experience. This makes it a truly formidable army. Japan is a sleeping military power. A Philippine-Japan alliance alone will strike fear into the heart of the Communists. To stop them from starting a war - Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan must form the Asian Region Military Alliance for Security * ARMAS * now!

[AlexMontes-hh]

We're choosing Philippines. Not us. It's our duty to depend our country.

[musicman]

If china wants allies, they should not annoy them. Like they did to the Philippines. China even annoys Russia and other countries.

[jansalvador]

STUPID DUDIRTY.LOOK NOW WHAT HE DID TO THE PHILS.NEVER AHAIN AGAIN OF HIS KIND.

[juanitoatiwag]

Duterte if you want to join China and Russia please do not include the Filipino people because we don't wish to be fed with lies and we want to keep our freedom.

[allanbaldoque]

Its very clear now D 30 sells Philipines part on china, this is his fault

[RobertRuto-kr]

Sana makakuha na ng aircraft carrier ang pilipinas hope God help us🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[dhangjhue]

I believe that our God will protect us from harm. Let's pray everyone because I know he is always guiding us and he is watching us

❤

[merlin]

China stay out of the West Phillipines Sea!!

[DelanfeRevillame-qd]

Nice Quadnation we proud this intigrity the philipines president marcos .

[scalemodeltutor]

6 years, Philippines aligned with China even rejecting US grants. It was an opportunity to China to iron out all the issues and the Philippines is ready for discussions. But what China did? Stabbed the Philippines in the back, Philippines is done hearing all the lies from China. Moving forward, Philippines-USA all the way

[norielhiagmata]

Mas Priority ang support ng taong Bayan Para ipaglaban ang ating Bansa... Pilipinas 🇵🇭💪 ay Para sa Mga Filipino 🙏🙏🙏🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭💪💪💪💪💪💪

[JohnYsraelAguilo]

Ang Dios MISMO Ang Magpapalakas sa Pinas, Malapit na Yan