ARTICLES

17 Jan 2023

Bound to Comply: the Philippines’ One-China Policy and Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S.

Aaron Jed Rabena

In the event of hostilities in the Taiwan Strait, Manila’s defense treaty with the United States will give it little room to manoeuvre.

31 Oct 2022

The US-Philippine Alliance: Shared Interests and Subtle Nuances

Mico A Galang

The US National Security Strategy (NSS) identifies some shared interests between Washington and Manila. However, there are nuances in the strategic calculus of the allies when it comes to two key potential flashpoints in the region: Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Defence Philippine-U.S. Relations South China Sea

17 Dec 2021

Mind the Gaps, Fill the Needs: A Strategic Outlook for the Philippine-US Alliance

Julio S. Amador III

The Philippines begrudgingly notes the disparity of treatment across US alliances in Asia as well as Washington’s shift to enhancing engagements with non-treaty partners. The Philippines must step up to play its part and articulate its key interests better.

Maritime Security Philippine Politics Philippine-U.S. Relations Security South China Sea

23 Sep 2021

After 70 Years, It’s Time to Modernise the US-Philippines Alliance

Ian Storey

The US-Philippines alliance is back on track. In an era where China has increasingly challenged Manila’s maritime rights in the South China Sea, however, Washington needs to contemplate an upgrade to their mutual defence treaty.

Philippine-U.S. Relations South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy

21 May 2021

Philippine-US Cooperation on Whitsun Reef: A “Win” for the Biden Team in Southeast Asia?

Robert Sutter

Southeast Asian views of the United States declined during the Trump administration, and persisted into the Biden administration early on in the year. But Washington’s sustained support for Manila amid the latter’s recent confrontation with China in the South China Sea has helped to offset negative perceptions of Uncle Sam in the region.

China-U.S. Relations Philippine Politics Philippine-U.S. Relations South China Sea

19 Feb 2021

The US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement: The Duterte Punchbag That Will Probably Survive the Blows

Ian Storey

A long-standing Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States will probably survive despite threats from President Rodrigo Duterte to see the end of it.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy

1 Feb 2021

The Philippine-US Alliance: Keeping Things on an Even Keel

Renato Cruz De Castro

Given the challenges posed by an assertive China and a changing geopolitical environment, Manila and Washington must work hard to sustain their decades-old alliance.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations South China Sea U.S. Foreign Policy

International Human Rights Day in Manila

17 Dec 2020

A Duterte-Democrat President Redux?

Malcolm Cook

A Biden Administration will see strong headwinds as it pertains to Washington’s relations with Manila.

Human Rights Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations

4 Jun 2020

Visiting Forces Agreement: Uncle Sam Still Welcome for Another Year

Ian Storey

The Philippines has suspended the planned termination of the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. But the alliance is not out of the woods yet.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security

10 Mar 2020

Duterte’s ‘Independent’ Foreign Policy: Independence from Criticism

Malcolm Cook

The Duterte administration has stressed the independent nature of its foreign policy. Apparently, this has been equated to freedom from foreign criticism.

Philippine Philippine-U.S. Relations Security