The Policy of the Philippines towards the US and China in a changing World Order (2001-2021)

Abstract

China and the Philippines share a long history together. This relationship has grown and achieved significant milestones despite numerous ups and downs. China's growth began in 2010, when it overtook Japan to become the world's second largest economy after the United States. This has piqued the interest of countries in the region seeking development possibilities from China. Furthermore, in order to accomplish a great power's strategic ambitions in the twenty-first century, China must set strong goals, with the economy serving as the driving force behind all of its development operations. And the Philippines, a neighbouring country with many characteristics that coincide with China's political, economic, and diplomatic goals, has emerged as a key player in China's rise. While after independence in 1946, the Philippines became a close ally of the United States. When the cold war ended, the US no longer paid much attention to Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Afterward, the US returned to isolationism, withdrawing its troops from two military bases in "Clark" and "Subic" (1992) which created a power vacuum in Southeast Asia. This has created conditions for China to increase its influence in the region through activities related to the South China Sea. So, when it comes to implementing the policy of greater ties with China, the Philippines can't ignore the US influence. Because the Philippines is one of the US's Asian allies, with Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and is a driving force behind the US's policy of growing US dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. This article will focus on studying the impacts of the US on China and the Philippines, as well as the progress of the Philippines - China relations, Philippines – The US relations in many fields, with the focus being politics - diplomacy, and economy and security - defence in the first two decades of the 21st century.