China-Philippines relations

The Philippine Coast Guard has a new responsibility: providing public evidence of China’s unlawful maritime activities. What’s behind the shift?

President Marcos came to office promising to pursue a centrist position between the U.S. and China. Both internal and external factors complicate his plans.

Chinese officials took the opportunity to voice their opposition to a recent expansion of the U.S. military presence in the Philippine archipelago.

The Chinese embassy in Manila said that the expansion of EDCA "will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability."

The Philippine president said Manila will continue to push back against China, despite his proposal for higher-level talks to rapidly address future conflicts at sea.

Alluding to the two countries' territorial dispute in the South China Sea, Marcos said he looks forward to discussing bilateral and regional political and security issues.

The retired foreign correspondent, who has lived in China since 1971, has vowed to build trust with Beijing, while standing up for Philippine interests.

The incident close to the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island was just the latest between the two nations in the disputed South China Sea.

An official said that the crackdown was prompted by "reports of murder, kidnapping and other crimes committed by Chinese nationals against fellow Chinese nationals."

Foreign Minister Wang Yi was all smiles during his stop in Manila, but China-Philippine relations are likely to remain freighted with challenges.

The president-elect has sent clear signals that he doesn’t want to be too dependent on the U.S. – nor wind up too cozy with China.