The Philippines is not Ukraine, according to officials in Manila, who maintain that they have the full support of the United States despite President Trump’s recent shifts in foreign policy. Philippines officials argue that both Washington and Manila have a common adversary in China, which is embroiled in a trade war with Trump while the Philippines is involved in tense standoffs with China in the South China Sea over territorial claims. The Philippines’ biggest deterrent against China is a mutual defense treaty with the United States, last month, Washington restored around $400 million in military assistance to the Philippines that had been suspended as part of Trump’s freeze on foreign aid.

Filipino officials have spoken with members of the Trump cabinet and received assurances that Washington remains committed to the Philippines and the defense treaty. President Fernando Marcos Jr. has embraced the United States, reversing a shift towards China by his predecessor and expanding US access to military bases in the Philippines, including some that face Taiwan. Washington has a vested interest in maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The Philippines is also seeking to buy a Typhon missile system from the United States to improve deterrence. Trumps relationship with Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, could affect his approach to the Philippines.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/world/asia/us-trump-philippines-china.html