Increasing tension and security threats in the global arena force Pacific Asian states to choose between certain alliances. One of these alliances can be called the Western Alliance, led by the United States (US) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the other can be called the Eurasia/Eastern/Global South Alliance.
The Philippines is a geographically strategic country in Southeast Asia. At the same time, its location in the east of the South China Sea makes the country an important actor in terms of the USA’s strategy to contain China. Maritime disputes in the South China Sea caused the Philippines to take a closer position to the Western alliance.
The Philippines is a country with rich marine resources and a rapidly growing economy. In particular, abundances such as submarine resources, natural gas, and oil increase the economic and geopolitical importance of the Philippines in the region. In addition, the country stands out as an important player in international trade and logistics, as it is located on important trade routes in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines is in a critical position in terms of maritime transportation and regional trade, especially as it is the connection point between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines also participates in regional integration and cooperation processes. As part of ASEAN, the Philippines is a major player in issues such as regional security issues, trade agreements, and natural resource management. The Philippines also contributes to regional diplomacy and conflict resolution processes. Additionally, the country is an important actor in security issues in Pacific Asia. In recent years, the Philippines has become an important ally that affects the strategic balance in the region by increasing its defense cooperation with the USA.
Borders between parties in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming more visible. This creates an atmosphere in the region where everyone has to choose a side. It can be said that in this fragile security situation, the Philippines chose the West as an ally. It can be stated that Manila-Washington relations are in favor in terms of developing a positive dialogue.
It is also noteworthy that the Philippines is turning to Japan and trying to cooperate with it to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea. This step is a move that could escalate tensions in the South China Sea. This military partnership with Japan could be a major threat to China’s national security.
South Korea is also a country with a Western perspective in Pacific Asia. For this reason, the threat perception posed by the West shapes South Korea’s threat perception. Due to its geographical location, South Korea is one of the countries that feel the North Korean threat most closely. Therefore, the talks between South Korea and the Philippines are quite important.
In this context, it can be said that South Korea is seeking new regional cooperation and alliances due to security concerns. This could mean an expansion and further consolidation of the “anti-North Korea” front.
As a result, the tension in the Pacific Asia region forces states to “choose between alliances”. It can be said that Philippine foreign policy is “Western-oriented”. Recent relations, especially with South Korea and Japan, support this approach. It can be argued that soon, the Philippines will continue to be involved in new Western-oriented formations and even develop relations along the Manila-Taipei line.
