South China Sea Disputes Strengthen US-Philippine Ties

As confrontations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea increase in frequency, US-Philippine ties are strengthening militarily and economically, signaling a growing US presence in the region that is likely to elicit negative Chinese reactions. Pamir assesses that this strategic dynamic will increase US and Chinese involvement in regional disputes, further fueling regional risks.  

In response to encounters between Chinese Coast Guard ships and Philippine patrol and supply vessels in the South China Sea (SCS), on 5 March the US State and Defense Departments expressed support for the Philippines and “condemned” China’s “provocative actions.” On 6 March the State Department spokesperson stated, “The United States reaffirms that article IV of the 1951 US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea.” 

• China’s Foreign Ministry said that threatening China with the US-Philippine mutual defense treaty “emboldens the Philippines and endorses its acts of infringement and provocation.” The foreign ministry urged the US “to refrain from using the Philippines as a pawn to destabilize the SCS” and called on the Philippines not to be “manipulated by the US.” The ministry reaffirmed that “China has unwavering determination and will in safeguarding its legitimate rights.” 

On 11 March Philippine and Taiwan media reported that Marilou Cayco, Governor of the Philippines’ Batanes Province, said a US Army delegation will arrive in the province in April to discuss funding and construction for a port in the province. The port reportedly could be used to evacuate the more than 150,000 Philippine nationals working in Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. Batanes is located less than 130 miles from Taiwan and is situated on the Bashi Channel, a chokepoint for the Chinese Navy to enter the western Pacific from the south.

• Chinese state media attacked the move as another US attempt to contain China. Chinese military experts said the US plan has two purposes: 1)establish another springboard to interfere militarily in the event of a Taiwan conflict; and 2)deny the Chinese Navy access to the west Pacific. 

As tensions between China and the Philippines stemming from SCS disputes rise, US-Philippine defense ties are strengthening, which is matched by similar upgrades in US-Philippine economic ties. The strengthening of the bilateral relationship signals growing US presence in the region.

• From 10 to 11 March, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo led a trade and investment delegation to Manila comprised of representatives of 22 US companies, including Microsoft, Google, and United Airlines. Raimondo announced that the US will invest more than $1 billion in the Philippines, covering industries such as solar power, electric vehicles, semiconductor chips, and software. 
• On 10 March the Philippine ambassador to the US told Bloomberg that the Philippines is looking to work with companies from the US, Japan, Australia, and other allies to develop oil and gas resources in the SCS.
• In November 2023 the US and the Philippines reportedly signed a nuclear technology and material export agreement under which the US will help the Philippines build mini-nuclear power plants. China’s Foreign Ministry warned that such cooperation must comply with US pledges on nuclear non-proliferation.