President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has launched the most consequential recalibration of Philippine foreign policy in decades, strengthening the country's alliance with the United States while adopting a firmer stance toward China amid escalating tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
The strategic shift marks a decisive break from the previous administration's approach, which had tilted toward Beijing while straining relations with Washington. Since taking office, Marcos Jr. has fundamentally repositioned the country's external partnerships.
In February 2023, President Marcos Jr. approved the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, adding four new locations for U.S. military access in the Philippines. The decision significantly deepened defense ties between the two treaty allies.
"The security alliance between the Philippines and the United States has never been stronger," a senior Philippine foreign affairs official stated during a press conference in Manila.
The Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 has served as the cornerstone of Philippine national security for more than seven decades. Under Marcos Jr., both countries are actively reimagining what the alliance means for regional security in an era of renewed great power competition.
Tensions in the South China Sea have intensified dramatically during Marcos Jr.'s presidency. Philippine vessels conducting routine patrols within the country's exclusive economic zone have faced repeated confrontations with Chinese coast guard ships.
"We will not surrender a single square inch of territory," Marcos Jr. declared during his State of the Nation Address, underscoring his administration's resolve to defend Philippine maritime entitlements under international law.
The confrontations near Ayungin Shoal and other features have prompted Manila to increasingly rely on its U.S. treaty commitments and expand surveillance capabilities in disputed waters. Joint patrol arrangements and information sharing with American forces have increased substantially.
Beijing has warned against what it calls outside interference and provocative actions that could destabilize regional peace. Chinese officials maintain their country has historic rights over vast swaths of the South China Sea, claims also contested by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
The Marcos Jr. administration has rejected proposals to accept a Code of Conduct that would legitimize Chinese administrative control over Philippine waters. Instead, Manila has insisted on upholding the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims.
"The arbitral award is final and binding on both parties," Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo told reporters. "We will continue to assert our rights under international law."
Under former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines had pursued warmer relations with Beijing, setting aside maritime disputes in exchange for trade and investment promises. That approach left the country isolated as Chinese vessels expanded presence in contested areas.
The U.S.-Philippine alliance expansion includes expanded port calls, joint exercises and enhanced interoperability between military forces. American naval vessels now make more frequent visits to Philippine ports, demonstrating the strengthened partnership.
Regional analysts view Marcos Jr.'s pivot as a generational shift in Philippine foreign policy. The president has signaled intentions to deepen security cooperation across multiple fronts, including not just the United States but also Japan, Australia and other democratic nations in the region.
China remains the Philippines' largest trading partner, creating economic complexities for the strategic realignment. Bilateral trade continues, though Manila has grown more cautious about Chinese investments in critical infrastructure.
The trajectory points to continued friction in contested waters as Manila asserts its maritime entitlements while relying on American security guarantees. The alliance refresh reflects shared interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding international law in the region.
