The Philippines remains a vital geostrategic location for global trade, indicating that even under US President-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, the defense cooperation between Washington and Manila will progress.
“Considering the role of the Philippines in maintaining maritime security in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, US-PH defense relations are anticipated to progress under Trump 2.0,” retired Ambassador Marilyn Alarilla told Manila Standard.
“With 24 percent of global trade passing annually through the sea lanes of the South China Sea, maintaining freedom of navigation is essential to avoid supply chain disruptions and to ensure cost efficiency in import and export transactions,” the ambassador added.
While Trump’s “America First” policy might suggest prioritizing US national interests over foreign relations, Alarilla explained that “the state of regional and international peace and security has serious consequences on a country’s economic, social, and political stability.”
Alarilla added that the defense relationship is also expected to continue with advancements in “technological capabilities, enhancing maritime domain awareness through improved maritime surveillance and information-sharing for threat assessment and preventive strategies.”
Regarding Trump’s hawkish stance against China, Alarilla noted that while there are areas of competition between the US and China, there are also potential areas for cooperation.
“Strengthening cooperation between the US, the Philippines, and regional partners such as the QUAD—specifically Australia, India, Japan, and the US—will significantly enhance the deterrence capability of both nations in the face of China’s aggressive actions,” Alarilla stated.
