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.
Related articles

Stay up to date
Sign up to the Expert Daily Briefings email alert and receive up-to-the-minute analysis of global events as they happen.
*If your university does not have access to Expert Briefings, visit our information page to find out more.