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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