Melanie Rose B.

Juantala
AB Foreign Service 301
International Political Economy
Jumel G. Estrañero
March 5, 2018

From ‘Love-War’ Relationship (RP-US)

to ‘War-Love’ Relationship (PRC-RP)

Alliance as it seems, but different plans exists. The relationship between the Republic of
the Philippines (RP) and the United States (US) had always been in good terms for the past 70
years of trade and defense. However, there is always a doubt with regards to what the United
States is showing. U.S.- Philippines relationship has been historically strong and is often
categorized as a special relationship (Javed, 2017). But, periodically changes occured in time as
the shifting of presidents mark a different approach toward its relationship to other states. The
Aquino administration (2010-2016) was very much dependent with the support of the Americans.
It was then the time when the Enhance Defense Cooperation (EDCA) was signed on April 28,
2014. Though the relationship might looks unquestionable, the election of Philippine President
Rodrigo Duterte in June 2016 instilled uncertainty to most of the people as he announced his
separation from the U.S. last October 2016 to further enhance a closer relationship with China.
Having this so called “Masked Society” in the international system, it will not be
impossible to how the states can easily shift from being an ally to being an enemy. Strategically,
state’s own interest will always be the paramount priority of every nation. With that, the
relationship of U.S.-Philippines fluctuated as People’s Republic of China (PRC)- Philippines
strenghtens. The Philippines cannot afford to engage in war with China as the dispute fires up in
the South China Sea between PRC and RP after being decided that the Philippines had won the
exclusive sovereign rights during the United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal. The need of
befriending with a long term enemy becomes essential which brought confusion to the people.
Practically speaking, the Philippines needs both countries as it was still dependent
economically and militarily. It cannot lose one as an ally and make one completely as an enemy.
On the other side, America and China cannot also lose the Philippines as a trading partner and
just wage another war as the international community will be at stake. The U.S.-Philippines may
have suffered but it is not certainly will come to an end. On the other hand, the China-Philippines
relationship is showing such dynamics that mutually gain each other’s trust.
The relationship of US and China is also viewed with speculations as both were regarded
as powerful states. They are clearly not allies as they share no overriding security interests or
political values, and their conception of world order fundamentally clash (Pei, 2014). But, what
they have in common is the ‘love-hate relationship’ and vice versa with the Philippines. Although
China was regarded as the next hegemon, US will surely not give up its position as the current
hegemon. With that, their relationship with the Philippines should be secured as it will bring a
large impact to both of the countries.
As for the Philippines, President Duterte should also secure its relationship to other
neighbouring states (e.g Japan, South Korea, Australia, etc.). Be more independent in an
interdependent way. Be wise enough as everyone is trying to outsmart each other. In the long
run, maintaining proper diplomatic relationship will be a great help for all of the states to
continuously have military and economic gains.