U.S.-Philippines alliance – The Diplomat

The Philippines Is Leveraging Its Strategic Value to Become an Indo-Pacific Power

Gavril Torrijos — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:57:00 +0900

Manila is embracing its alliance with the United States and building closer ties to Japan and Australia to become a strong, equal partner that can uphold a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Is the US Going Too Far in Its Alliance With the Philippines?

Sarang Shidore — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:04:00 +0900

The strengthening Philippines-U.S. alliance should remain focused on the South China Sea – and not overreach on Taiwan.

US, Philippines Announce Further Upgrades to Security Ties

Sebastian Strangio — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:33:00 +0900

The 2+2 meeting of defense and foreign ministers coincided with the opening of the largest-ever iteration of the annual Balikatan military exercise.

US to Host Top Philippine Officials For Third 2+2 Ministerial Meeting

Sebastian Strangio — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:13:00 +0900

This is the first such meeting to take place since late in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

Philippine, US Reveal Sites of Four Additional EDCA Facilities

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:12:00 +0900

The U.S. military will be granted access to three additional military facilities in the northern Philippines, and one on the island of Palawan in the South China Sea.

China, Philippines Open Bilateral ‘Consultative’ Talks in Manila

Sebastian Strangio — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 08:47:00 +0900

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

Philippines’ Marcos Defends Closer Security Relations With Washington

Sebastian Strangio — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:52:00 +0900

The rapid warming of relations with the U.S. has prompted warnings from Beijing, and domestic political pushback.

US, Philippines Break Ground on $25 Million Runway Rehabilitation Project

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:06:00 +0900

The upgrade at Manila's Basa Air Base is part of $82 million in U.S.-funded infrastructure upgrades at military bases included under a 2014 defense pact.

China Warns Philippines Over US Access to Military Bases

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:04:00 +0900

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

Philippines Eyes South China Sea Patrols With US, Australia

Jim Gomez and Edna Tarigan — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:34:00 +0900

Manila is seeking to shore up defense capabilities in the disputed South China Sea, even as China continues to stress negotiations on a Code of Conduct.

Flexible Enmeshment: The Philippines’ New Approach to China-US Competition

Justin Baquisal — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 22:31:00 +0900

Marcos could be characterized as a middle ground between his predecessors – not as pro-U.S. than Aquino, but less pro-China than Duterte.

US, Philippines Agree to Larger American Military Presence

Jim Gomez — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 13:58:00 +0900

The two sides have agreed to grant the U.S. armed forces access to four more bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Kamala Harris Says US Commitment to Philippines ‘Unwavering’

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:12:00 +0900

The U.S. vice president's visit to the Philippines has seemingly closed the book on the problems and tensions of the Rodrigo Duterte era.

The Philippine-US Alliance Has a Major Blind Spot: Cybersecurity

Gregory H. Winger and Miguel Alberto Gomez — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 04:11:00 +0900

Other U.S. alliances have undertaken significant measures to enhance collective defense in cyberspace. It's time for the Philippine-U.S. alliance to catch up.

The Philippines-US Alliance at 70

Renato Cruz De Castro — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 02:22:00 +0900

The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty became the most important element in the Philippine-U.S. alliance. How can it remain relevant in a changing Indo-Pacific?

Philippines’ Duterte Retains Pact Allowing US War Exercises

Jim Gomez — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 23:36:00 +0900

The president has formally retracted his earlier letter announcing the termination of the Philippines-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement.

US, Philippines Set to Reinforce Threatened Defense Accord

Sebastian Strangio — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 11:06:00 +0900

Both nations have a strong incentive to maintain the pact, but next year's election could complicate matters.

China Refuses to Quit on the Philippines

Derek Grossman — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 21:38:00 +0900

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.

Populism Blindsided: America, Duterte, and the Philippine Military

Mesrob Vartavarian — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 21:29:00 +0900

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

What the US-Philippines VFA Withdrawal Suspension Does and Doesn’t Say About the Alliance

Prashanth Parameswaran — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 20:52:00 +0900

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

In Sudden Step, Philippines Reverses Course on Ending US Visiting Forces Agreement—For Now

Ankit Panda — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 10:05:00 +0900

Will the reversal last?

Is the US-Philippines Alliance Obsolete?

Aaron Jed Rabena and Elliot Silverberg — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 02:27:00 +0900

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.

Trump Year Three: The State of US Alliances in Asia

Ankit Panda — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 06:28:00 +0900

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

How to Reinvigorate the US-Philippine Alliance

Jay L. Batongbacal — Wed, 01 May 2019 00:29:00 +0900

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

US, Philippine Air Forces Conduct Bilateral Air Contingent Exchange Amid Uncertainties

Christian Vicedo — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 01:44:00 +0900

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

Two Alliances in Trouble: Managing the US-Philippine and US-South Korea Alliances in 2019

Ankit Panda and Prashanth Parameswaran — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 06:50:00 +0900

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

Reinforcing the Philippines-US Alliance in an Age of Uncertainty

Christian Vicedo — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 23:54:00 +0900

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

Fire and Fury: Duterte’s Revolutionary Foreign Policy

Richard Heydarian — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 02:07:00 +0900

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

Manila's Disappointing Reaction to the US FONOP Near Scarborough Shoal

Ankit Panda — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:51:00 +0900

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

Continuity Amid Uncertainty: Philippines-US Security Relations Under the Duterte-Trump Administrations

Christian Vicedo — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 00:25:00 +0900

Continued engagements and a refocused agenda, rather than the separation of ties, characterize the alliance today.

Trump Goes to Asia: Everything You Need to Know

Ankit Panda and Prashanth Parameswaran — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:56:00 +0900

Donald Trump goes to Asia for the first time as president. What can we expect?

Duterte’s Year of Sound and Fury

Ronald D. Holmes and Mark R. Thompson — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 21:56:00 +0900

One year after his inauguration, how is the Philippine president faring?

Australia-Philippines Relationship: It’s Complicated

Charmaine Deogracias and Orrie Johan — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 01:13:00 +0900

Despite broadly shared interests, the Philippines' President Duterte is negatively impacting the relationship.

Is the US Losing East Asia to China?

Bob Savic — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 03:27:00 +0900

In Southeast and Northeast Asia, old partners are drifting away from the U.S. and toward China.

The Philippines' 'Pivot' to China: View From Singapore

Mercy A. Kuo — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 05:25:00 +0900

Insights from See Seng Tan.

Why the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte Hates America

Prashanth Parameswaran — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 01:41:00 +0900

A deeper look at the Philippine president’s anti-American views.

Duterte: Settle South China Sea Dispute With a Little Help From Japan?

Ankit Panda — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 04:26:00 +0900

The Philippine president's talk of multilateralism over the South China Sea involving Japan will concern China.

Duterte's Anti-US Rhetoric Throws Japan for a Loop

Mina Pollmann — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 01:26:00 +0900

Japanese officials must sort out the Philippine president's intentions during his visit to Tokyo.

Japan Rolls out Red Carpet for Philippines' Duterte

Yuki Tatsumi — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 22:08:00 +0900

There's a good reason Duterte's anti-U.S. comments haven't impacted Japan-Philippines ties.

What Duterte Demonstrates About US Security Commitments Abroad

Ted Galen Carpenter — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:25:00 +0900

There is little reason why the U.S. government should accept cynical free-riding behavior on the part of so-called allies.

Philippine Government Eyes Chinese Investment Ahead of Duterte Visit to Beijing

Ankit Panda — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 08:43:00 +0900

Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez outlined Manila's plans for economic cooperation with China.

Survey: Just 11% of Filipinos Are 'Dissatisfied' With Rodrigo Duterte

Ankit Panda — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 02:06:00 +0900

Public opinion data reaffirms widespread satisfaction with Rodrigo Duterte's performance in the Philippines.

Duterte Calls for End to US-Philippine Military Exercises, Part of Tilt Toward China

Shannon Tiezzi — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 03:27:00 +0900

Duterte once again rolls back the U.S. alliance, even while eagerly expressing hopes for ties with China.

South China Sea: How to Prevent China From Changing the Status Quo

Dennis Blair and Jeffrey Hornung — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 04:08:00 +0900

"China appears to be testing opportunities on its maritime borders – where is the weak spot it can exploit?"

Is the Philippines Still a US Ally?

Phoebe Benich — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 22:47:00 +0900

How long can the U.S.-Philippines alliance remain "rock solid" in the face of Duterte's fiery rhetoric?

The Surprising New Challenge for the US in the South China Sea

Mohamed Zeeshan — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 01:17:00 +0900

Washington's headache in the South China increasingly includes one of its own allies.

What Will Duterte Mean for Philippine Foreign Policy?

Nick Bisley — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 03:05:00 +0900

From ASEAN to China to the U.S., how will the Philippines' new president approach foreign relations?

Two US Aircraft Carriers Launch Joint Exercises Off Philippines Ahead of South China Sea Verdict

Prashanth Parameswaran — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 00:40:00 +0900

Coordinated operations kick off ahead of much-anticipated South China Sea verdict.

South China Sea: China Slams US-Philippines Rotational Basing Agreement

Ankit Panda — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 10:12:00 +0900

China cites the announcement of U.S. access to Philippines bases as evidence of militarization in the South China Sea.

Why Was a US Submarine Just in the Philippines?

Prashanth Parameswaran — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:55:00 +0900

A U.S. fast-attack submarine arrived at Subic Bay on January 12 at an interesting time.

A Military Game of Chicken in the South China Sea?

Piin-Fen Kok — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 17:25:00 +0900

The South China Sea problem has been militarized and internationalized: what now?

Regaining the Initiative in the South China Sea

Col Michael W. “Starbaby” Pietrucha — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:33:00 +0900

How the U.S. and its partners could provide a robust counter to the growing PRC presence in the South China Sea.

Japan: The Philippines' New Best Friend?

Richard Javad Heydarian — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 00:09:00 +0900

"More than ever, the Philippines has come to rely on an external partner other than the United States."

Philippines Moves Toward New Naval Base Near the South China Sea

Prashanth Parameswaran — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:42:00 +0900

Manila is making progress on a new facility.

Diplomatic Access: The Philippines

Diplomatic Access — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 04:07:00 +0900

Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. on the South China Sea disputes, the rebalance to Asia, and more.

The Philippine Military Wants US Drones

Prashanth Parameswaran — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 01:27:00 +0900

The country mulls acquiring drones following the easing of US restrictions.

The US Just Gave the Philippine Military Another Boost

Prashanth Parameswaran — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 23:52:00 +0900

Aircraft will be a much-needed and long overdue shot in the arm for Manila.

Philippines, United States Agree on New Security Accord

Ankit Panda — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 01:56:00 +0900

The agreement will be signed by President Obama when he visits the Philippines later this month.

US Admiral: ‘We Would Help’ Philippines Against China

Shannon Tiezzi — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:05:00 +0900

A U.S. admiral's security assurance to the Philippines was not as firm as recent commitments to Japan and South Korea.

The Philippines is Building a New Naval Base in South China Sea

Zachary Keck — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 17:21:00 +0900

The new base at Oyster Bay will host the Philippines’ two naval cutters and U.S. naval forces.

Philippines Needs to Get Serious on U.S. Alliance

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 09:10:31 +0900

Manila should use the visit of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to make clear where it stands.