U.S.-Philippines alliance

China may have missed a golden opportunity to see the VFA end, but Beijing is still determined to exploit gaps between the U.S. and its ally.

Despite his best efforts, the Philippines’ president hasn’t been able to cut ties between the U.S. and the Philippine defense establishment.

While this is an important temporary reprieve for the alliance, it leaves some broader strategic challenges unresolved.

Will the reversal last?

With the unwinding of the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the utility of Washington’s oldest alliance in the Indo-Pacific hangs in the balance.

Where do American alliances in Asia stand as the Trump administration looks to wrap up its third year in power?

The time is ripe for both sides to modernize their longstanding partnership.

The exercise highlights how the US-Philippines alliance soldiers on, even amid major tensions.

Two U.S. alliances are in trouble in Asia.

Recent engagements show that Philippines-U.S. security cooperation remains intact, but more can be done.

How far can Duterte’s rebalance away from the United States (and toward China) progress?

If claimant states no longer care about freedom of navigation, the U.S. task in the South China Sea may be impossible.