The Philippines’ historical choice of the United States as a strategic partner is deeply rooted in pivotal moments that have shaped their enduring relationship. From the annals of history, the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 marked a turning point, leading to the collapse of Spanish colonial rule and the subsequent 48-year period of American influence until the Philippines gained independence in 1946. The influx of Americans, including retired soldiers and military personnel, showcased an early connection that expanded with the arrival of American teachers under the 1901 Education Act. The shared history is evident in the strong people-to-people ties, with over four million Filipino-Americans in the U.S. and nearly 300,000 U.S. citizens calling the Philippines home.
The bilateral bond is further strengthened by common democratic values, emphasized through collaborative efforts on human rights, labor rights, and the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. This commitment extends to economic ties, with two way trade and investment activities exceeding $18.9 billion in 2020. Recent developments, such as President Biden’s initiative to send a trade and investment group to the Philippines, demonstrate a forward-looking approach to encourage U.S. companies to invest in various sectors.
The multifaceted partnership also extends to health security, environmental protection, and clean energy initiatives, highlighting a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. The U.S. contribution of over $135 million in development assistance, including substantial COVID-19 aid and vaccine donations, showcases a cooperative effort to enhance health infrastructure and community resilience.
The Philippines’ preference of the US is underscored via a shared vision for the destiny. Collaborative tasks, such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity and the web hosting of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum, exemplify joint efforts to sell financial boom and local stability. The decision to create a physical Open RAN Interoperability Lab in Manila and strengthen ties in space situational awareness further aligns with the Philippines’ strategic alignment with the U.S.
In essence, the Philippines’ choice of the United States is a culmination of historical ties, shared values, and a mutual commitment to addressing contemporary challenges. This enduring relationship encompasses diverse aspects, from cultural exchanges and economic cooperation to joint efforts in health security and environmental sustainability, reflecting a strategic alliance built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
Evolution of the U.S.-Philippines Strategic Alliance
The United States and the Philippines had a strong alliance during the Cold War, but its importance declined after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Philippine Senate rejected renewing the 1947 Military Bases Agreement in 1991, leading to the departure of U.S. forces. Although the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty remained, it was unclear if there were any external threats to defend against. However, tensions with China over the South China Sea reignited the importance of the alliance. Despite challenges, the relationship between the two nations improved. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte questioned the alliance, but his outreach to China did not yield substantial results. Pressure from within the Philippine government and armed forces kept the visiting forces agreement alive. The U.S. clarified its commitment to defending the Philippines in the South China Sea, leading to a positive shift in the alliance.
“There are more than 280 Islands in the South China Sea, which need to be divided and if every one of them becomes at crisis, then we are going to get the Thucydides Trap,†Henery Kissenger, World Order
In 2021, the defence secretaries of both countries outlined steps to modernize and strengthen the alliance, focusing on maritime security, military modernization, defence guidelines, and infrastructure projects. Efforts to enhance the alliance are underway, including a new maritime security dialogue and increased financial support. The alliance is now entering a new phase of cooperation, where both nations are discussing their expectations of each other in the event of a Taiwan contingency. The alliance is also deepening connections with other regional security networks like the U.S.-Australia-Japan trilateral alliance. The Philippines is strengthening its ties with Japan via protection agreements, and future joint sporting events with U.S., Australian, and Japanese participation are at the horizon. The U.S.-Philippines alliance has hastily evolved over the past 18 months. In April 2023, America and the Philippines completed their annual army sporting events referred to as Balikatan. These exercises involved about 18,000 soldiers from both countries, making them the largest in the 38-year history of these drills.
Counterterrorism Cooperation
From 2002 onwards, the U.S. supported the Philippines against various terrorist groups and their outfits. U.S. aid included troops, military aid, and intelligence sharing. The Philippines implemented antiterrorism measures, engaged in peace talks, and maintained a strong partnership with the U.S. for law enforcement and counterterrorism.
U.S.-Philippines Relations and Shared Interests
In October 2022, the Biden administration released its National Security Strategy (NSS), which highlighted the Indo-Pacific region as a vital centre of global politics. China is seen as the main competitor capable of reshaping the international order.
As Kurt Campbell and Ely Ratner stated, “Washington now faces its most dynamic and formidable competitor in modern historyâ€.
To preserve a free, open, prosperous, and secure world order, the U.S. reaffirmed commitments to its allies, including the Philippines. Â The NSS offers an opportunity for the U.S. and its allies, including the Philippines, to influence China’s behaviour. Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and capacity-building are vital aspects of this alliance. The NSS highlights the critical decade ahead, urging the Philippines to work closely with the U.S. in alliance management, promoting shared interests, and navigating nuances in their stances on Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Evolving U.S.-Philippine Relations under President Marcos Jr
Since President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. took office in the Philippines, there have been numerous activities at the diplomatic front with the United States. There seems a return to normalcy and warmth in the relationship with the U.S. According to experts, the Philippines is now interested not only in security assurances from the U.S. but also in the economic role that the U.S. can play in the Philippines. President Marcos visited Washington and, along with U.S. President Joe Biden, released the Bilateral Defense Guidelines outlining security priorities. This busy engagement between the two countries indicates that there are overdue matters being addressed. Under the previous administration, the Philippines shifted its foreign policy towards Beijing as it pursued its economic goals. However, experts highlight that the U.S.-Philippine alliance remained crucial to the country’s foreign and security policy. While the previous government had a flexible approach in dealing with China, it didn’t bring significant economic and development cooperation. President Marcos Jr.’s administration seems more willing to acknowledge China’s challenges to Philippine sovereignty and rights. The alliance with the U.S. includes intelligence sharing, cyber security and defense, and a stronger stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While the Philippines and the United States improved their relationship, other groups like AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the US) have also become closer in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines supports AUKUS, especially as Australia plans to get nuclear-powered submarines and strengthen its military.
Conclusion
The Philippines holds a vital position in the Indo-Pacific region and plays a crucial role in U.S. national interests in the area. As the oldest ally in Southeast Asia, the Philippines shares important security connections with the U.S. and is a significant non-NATO strategic partner. Additionally, both countries engage in substantial bilateral trade and investment. The U.S. government’s strategic focus in the region, coupled with the longstanding close relationship between the two nations, present valuable opportunities to promote democratic values, open trade, and support the Philippines’ journey toward self-reliance. The Philippines’ government efforts align with key U.S. initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative, Infrastructure Transaction Advisory Network, Digital Connectivity and Cyber security Partnership, and Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy. The shared goals are the reason of U.S.-Philippines Indo-Pacific partnership. Further the help of US government addresses the ongoing structural challenges and the current economic challenges in the Philippines. These strategic priorities are making the Philippines to become a most trusted partner of US in the Indo-Pacific region.
