President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines is making bold moves to strengthen alliances and secure support in the face of China’s aggressive claims on the South China Sea. With maritime clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels on the rise, Mr. Marcos has been busy forging new partnerships with countries like Vietnam, Australia, and European nations.
In a recent visit to Germany, Mr. Marcos emphasized the importance of keeping the South China Sea open for international commerce, highlighting the global significance of the region. Analysts believe that this flurry of diplomacy could help deter China, but tensions remain high as Beijing continues to assert its territorial claims.
Mr. Marcos’s foreign policy approach marks a stark departure from his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who favored closer ties with China. By strengthening relationships with traditional allies like the United States and Japan, as well as cultivating new partnerships with countries like Sweden and France, Mr. Marcos is sending a clear message to Beijing.
Recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels near contested reefs have escalated tensions further. While Mr. Marcos has not yet invoked the mutual defense treaty with the United States, the risk of a conflict drawing in major powers like the U.S. remains a concern.
As Mr. Marcos continues to build a network of allies and secure investments for the Philippines, the stakes in the South China Sea dispute are higher than ever. With the potential for miscalculation leading to outright conflict, the region remains a powder keg that could have far-reaching implications for global trade and security.
