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US-Philippine patrols will have mainly symbolic value

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Significance

Marcos has reversed predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s China-leaning policy by seeking closer defence ties with the United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines. Washington is determined to modernise and strengthen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific region as its strategic competition with China intensifies.

Impacts

  • Precedent suggests China could respond to closer US-Philippine military ties with punitive economic measures.
  • Australian and Philippine warships may undertake joint patrols.
  • Japan will increase naval exercises with the Philippines, but the two countries will not conduct joint patrols.

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