China visit could be crucial for Philippines’ Duterte
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Significance
This follows the first ASEAN Summit that Duterte headed as ASEAN’s chair for 2017, where his pro-China foreign policy was evident.
Impacts
- Should the Trump administration take a less active role in ASEAN’s institutions, this will strengthen China’s hand.
- Maritime spats could be prominent when the Philippines chairs the ASEAN Regional Forum (August) and East Asia Summit (November).
- Philippine public scepticism over China could see protests as closer bilateral ties are pursued.