US-Philippines Military
Politics
Ten years after the South China Sea ruling: Is China’s position better or worse?
The reality of the South China Sea is increasingly being shaped by Chinese power. This is the outcome that could matter more than 2016’s arbitral ruling and the countries rallying around it, says commentator Deng Yuwen.
Deng Yuwen
16 Jul 2026
Politics
Can the Philippines deter China without US backing?
Chinese water cannon attacks on Filipino fishermen at Escoda Shoal mark a dangerous escalation. Sustaining deterrence in the South China Sea now depends on US support and the Philippines’ resolve, says Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill.
Don McLain Gill
22 Dec 2025
Politics
Strengthening ties: How the US and the Philippines are navigating the Indo-Pacific
The US is very much aware that its best bet is to invest in its security partnerships with allies that have the political will to punch above their weight in order to deter China’s aggression, says Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill.
Don McLain Gill
08 Apr 2025
Politics
The impact of Trump 2.0 on the Philippines
While the different pillars of US-Philippine security cooperation will possibly outlast any leadership changes in both countries, Trump’s more transactional approach could mean a less “ironclad” commitment from the US, says Philippine academic Joseph Velasco.
Joseph Ching Velasco
17 Dec 2024
Politics
Philippine academic: The Philippines’ challenge facing China’s aggression
Philippine academic Elaine Tolentino analyses the recent Philippines-China 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held in Manila, concluding that while there is willingness on both sides for dialogue, recent escalation of tensions point to a need for the Philippines to rework its strategy.
Elaine C. Tolentino
04 Sep 2024
Politics
US's 'Typhon' missile system deployed in the Philippines: A dangerous move?
Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that the deployment of the US's "Typhon" missile launcher system in the Philippines might lead to heightened tensions with China, as well as the risk of disunity within ASEAN, as alignments may shift.
Han Yong Hong
19 Apr 2024
Politics
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's China visit yields some results
Despite heightened tension between China and the US, the two sides are maintaining communications at all levels. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that as long as the two countries remain in contact, the situation will not turn for the worse or spin out of control.
Yu Zeyuan
08 Apr 2024
Politics
US new military bases: China-Philippine relations on downward spiral?
China takes a dim view of Manila's decision to grant the US access to four military bases. While the two allies have framed the arrangement as bolstering deterrence vis-à-vis China, such a move is unlikely to deter Beijing.
Ma Bo
21 Apr 2023
Politics
US and China fight for influence in strategic provinces of the Philippines
The locus of superpower rivalry in the Indo-Pacific has gone down to the subnational level. The US and China are engaged in a power competition for influence within local governments in the Philippines, not least in the Cagayan area.
Aries A Arugay
11 Apr 2023
Politics
Is Philippine President Marcos Jr swinging too far back to the US?
The Marcos Jr administration's defence cooperation policy that hews closer to the US is facing domestic criticism, even from his sister. China is also growing increasingly uncomfortable with recent moves between the Philippines and the US, and posturing that suggests that the Philippines could be enlisted to part of the "China containment club".
Justin Baquisal
21 Mar 2023
Politics
Closer trilateral US-Japan-Philippines ties to protect security interests against China
Closer Japan-Philippines security cooperation announced during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' visit to Japan this month augurs closer trilateral US-Japan-Philippines cooperation in defending each of their interests against China, says Japanese academic Masafumi Iida.
Masafumi Iida
20 Feb 2023