Advertisement
Opinion | Will US-Philippines dialogue only worsen South China Sea tensions?
- Washington and Manila are set to hold their latest ‘2+2’ talks as the Philippines seeks to build more robust ties and uphold its interests in the South China Sea in the face of a ‘more aggressive’ China
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
7
The United States and the Philippines are expected to conduct a “2+2” dialogue in Manila in March, involving US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, and their Philippine counterparts Enrique Manalo and Gilberto Teodoro Jnr.
The Philippines will host the talks for the first time since the dialogue began in 2012, with three unambiguous messages likely to be conveyed.
First, Manila is trying to increase its bargaining chips in bilateral talks with China by deepening its diplomatic engagement and defence cooperation with the US.
Advertisement
The Marcos administration has attempted to strengthen its hand in South China Sea disputes with China, primarily by trying to involve other countries in its protests against Beijing while negotiating with it at the same time.
The more robust the ties that the Philippines builds with foreign powers, the more leverage it has in negotiations. Therefore, a reinforced relationship with the US via the “2+2” dialogue would be beneficial to Manila’s negotiations with Beijing.
Advertisement
Second, the US intends to bolster the Marcos administration’s stance towards China by offering substantial support. So far, the Philippines has been dealing with whether and how to continue its hard line against China, given the potential costs involved. The dialogue gives the US a chance to support Manila’s continued assertiveness in the region.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x