US-Philippines Relations
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
Between law and power: The Philippines, China, and the future of Scarborough Shoal
China recently declared a national nature reserve at the Scarborough Shoal, despite the shoal being within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill notes that the declaration is a continuation of China’s “grey zone” tactics to expand its control and normalise its presence in disputed areas.
Don McLain Gill
17 Sep 2025
Politics
Kamandag 2025: Why US-Philippines joint drills matter now
With China in mind, the Kamandag 2025 is another opportunity for the Philippines to enhance its maritime security capabilities through its defence linkages with like-minded partners, says Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill.
Don McLain Gill
02 Jun 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
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
Contesting the China fear factor: What drives the Philippines' response in the South China Sea
Philippine academic Robert Joseph P. Medillo says that rather than looking at the Philippines' reactions to China's actions in the South China Sea from the prism of fear, one can understand it as standing up to a major power, through building a collective of like-minded states that can rally together to press for transparency and accountability from China.
Robert Joseph P. Medillo
11 Dec 2023
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
It's hard for the Philippines to stay neutral in a Taiwan contingency
In the event of hostilities in the Taiwan Strait, Manila's defence treaty with the US will give it little room to manoeuvre. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's recent visit to China underscores his intent to have a constructive relationship with China, and it remains to be seen how the Philippines will navigate its relationships with both the China and the US.
Aaron Jed Rabena
20 Jan 2023