U.S.-Philippine alliance

Beijing views deepening Philippines-U.S. military cooperation as a direct security challenge, not only in the South China Sea but also in the Taiwan Strait.

The proposed acquisition of F-16 fighters would bolster Manila's ability to defend its own assets in disputed parts of the South China Sea.

China is the biggest factor behind the continued development of the U.S. alliance network – a trend that works independently of, and supersedes, any political dynamics in Washington.

Although some officials would have seen the test launch as beneficial, either for technical or political reasons, the incident undermines important Chinese foreign policy goals.

The challenge for the various parties is to insulate the China-Philippines tussle from broader regional and global tensions.

According to a Reuters investigation, the Pentagon used social media accounts to sow doubt about China's Sinovac vaccine.

Even though Balikatan is almost a 40-year tradition, this year’s exercises are larger and more pronounced than past iterations. And China is watching.

While in Manila, Blinken reiterated that the U.S. is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft come under an armed attack anywhere in the South China Sea.

The Biden administration is hoping to elevate economic relations with Manila to keep step with the recent enhancement of security ties.

Heightened China-Philippines tension around Second Thomas Shoal could escalate to military skirmishes – and that’s a chance Beijing appears willing to take.

The long-expected announcement comes at a time of growing tension in contested parts of the South China Sea.

Philippine officials say such joint exercises with U.S. forces do not target any country. But Beijing says increased U.S. security deployments in Asia target China and undermine regional stability.

With the growing Chinese threat in mind, President Marcos has ordered his military to shift its focus to external defense from decades-long domestic anti-insurgency.

Several legislators and local officials said they support the expansion of EDCA, but some of the president’s allies have raised questions about it.

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.

Beijing is paying close attention to the rapid developments in the Philippines-U.S. alliance, and China is not happy with what it sees.

The announcement comes ahead of a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris to the island of Palawan, adjacent to the disputed Spratly Islands.

The two leaders committed to strengthening a strategic partnership that both view as vital in an era of renascent Chinese power.

The trajectory of the alliance will be contingent upon the management of structural challenges, and how Manila keeps pace with changing regional and global realities.

The Philippine President-elect has indicated that he wants good relations with both the United States and China. Whether he can achieve it is another question.

If Manila wants to wean itself off the U.S. alliance, it has several options. Each has drawbacks – but so does the status quo.

The Philippine government has threatened to introduce visa requirements for U.S. citizens after banning 3 U.S. senators, supporters of jailed Philippine Senator de Lima.

China’s attempts to test the U.S.-Philippine alliance may strengthen the alliance at a critical time.

The U.S. assurance clarifies long standing Philippine concerns about the scope of the alliance.