Concerns have emerged following talks in Manila over the potential activation of direct American military support under the 1951 Philippine-United States (US) Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)[i]. The Philippines and the US have a long-standing strategic alliance dating back to the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951. The agreement commits both parties to support each other in the event of an armed attack on one another’s territory or armed forces in the Pacific region. The alliance serves as a cornerstone of Philippine security policy, providing the country with significant deterrence against external threats and strengthening its defense capabilities.
From a geopolitical perspective, the Philippines-US alliance is important for several reasons. First, it acts as a counterweight to China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea. As a major military power and long-standing ally of the Philippines, the US plays a key role in deterring potential aggression and maintaining stability in the region.
Washington views alliance commitments in the region as vital to its security interests and part of its broader geopolitical strategy to counter China’s rise and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The alliance with the United States also provides the Philippines with access to advanced military technology, training, and intelligence-sharing capabilities, enhancing its defense capabilities and interoperability with U.S. forces. This is particularly important for the Philippines, which faces a variety of security challenges, including territorial disputes, terrorism, and natural disasters.
In this context, the strategic importance of the South China Sea as a critical waterway for global trade increases the importance of regional stability and maritime security. The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway through which a significant portion of global trade flows. It is also rich in natural resources and is claimed in whole or in part by many countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Reefs and atolls have become focal points of intense geopolitical competition. These remote and isolated regions are strategically important due to their location on one of the busiest shipping lanes in Asia, enabling over $3.4 trillion in annual trade.[ii]
The South China Sea is a strategically important region, and the main reasons for the disputes in the region are as follows:
- Sovereignty Claims: China claims sovereignty with a map known as the “nine-dash line”, which covers almost the entire South China Sea. However, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim rights to various islands and sea areas in the region.
- Natural Resources: This region is thought to have rich oil and natural gas reserves. It is also very productive in terms of fishing. Claims over these resources increase tensions between the countries.
- Strategic Military Position: The South China is an important trade route, with a large portion of world trade passing through these waters. Therefore, the military presence and maritime security int he region have also become a priority for the countries.
- International Law: Many countries defend their claims by referring to internationa law norms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, there are different views on the implementation and interpretation of this convention.
- Regional and Global Power Struggles: The military presence of external powers such as the US and in the region and their relations with their allies are another factor that increases tensions. While China is trying to reduce the US’s influence in the region, other countries are trying to maintain this balance.
These disputes threaten stability in the region and sometimes lead to conflicts. Efforts to resolve them through diplomacy and dialogue are being carried out, especially within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Philippines has been vocal against China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. Despite efforts to peacefully resolve the disputes through diplomatic means, underlying tensions persist and pose significant challenges to achieving a lasting solution. Conflicting territorial claims and military activities in the region raise concerns about the risk of miscalculation and escalation of conflicts. While the future remains uncertain, the current conjuncture points to continued friction and the potential for further destabilization in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime areas.
[i] “America and the Philippines update defense guidelines”, Foreign Policy Research Institute, https://www.fpri.org/article/2023/05/america-and-the-philippines-update-defense-guidelines/, (Accession Date: 11.03.2024).
[ii] “What it’s like on board an outnumbered Philippine ship facing down China’s push to dominate the South China Sea”, CNN, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/06/asia/philippines-china-south-china-sea-confrontation-intl-hnk-dst/index.html, (Accession Date: 11.03.2024).
