Philippines confident in US alliance under Trump amid China tensions, envoy says
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Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez suggested potential changes under Trump would be ”minimal” or even favourable.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MANILA - The Philippines expects US policy in the Indo-Pacific, as well as US support for its treaty ally amid South China Sea tensions, to remain steady under Donald Trump, driven by bipartisan resolve in Washington, its ambassador to the US said on Nov 7.
Both Democrats and Republicans prioritise countering China’s influence, including in the South China Sea, Mr Jose Manuel Romualdez said, suggesting that military cooperation, economic ties and security commitments with the Philippines will continue.
“It is in their interest that the Indo-Pacific region remains free, peaceful and stable, especially given the economic part of it, with trillions of dollars passing through the South China Sea,” Mr Romualdez told Reuters in an interview.
US-Philippine security engagements have deepened under President Joe Biden and Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with both leaders keen to counter what they see as China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea
Mr Marcos said in a congratulatory message after Trump’s victory: “I am hopeful that this unshakable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force of good that will blaze a path of prosperity and amity, in the region, and in both sides of the Pacific.”
Under Mr Marcos, the Philippines has increased the number of its bases accessible to US forces
The US has proposed US$128 million (S$170 million) for infrastructure improvements at those bases, in addition to a US$500 million pledge for the Philippine military and coast guard.
Mr Romualdez expressed confidence that these commitments, including joint US-Philippine maritime exercises that began in 2023, would continue under Trump.
“We have very strong bipartisan support in the US Congress where the money comes from. Every single one of our friends in the Republican side has signified their concern and strong support for whatever we’re doing right now in relation to the challenges we face with China today,” Mr Romualdez said.
He suggested potential changes under Trump would be “minimal” and could even be favourable.
During Trump’s previous term, the US dispelled any doubts about its defence commitments when then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured Manila in 2019 that Washington would defend its ally if attacked in the South China Sea, reinforcing the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty.
Beijing claims much of the South China Sea, where about US$3 trillion in ship-borne trade passes annually, with the area becoming a flashpoint for Chinese and US tensions around naval operations.
There have been recent clashes over territorial claims between China and the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Mr Romualdez emphasised Manila’s intent to manage disputes peacefully, and “will continue to dialogue with China as long as it’s not detrimental to our interests”.
“We’re not at war,” Mr Romualdez said, adding there are many areas that the Philippines and China can work with. REUTERS
