The Asia-Pacific Region is a region where the fault lines of global security pass and the main site of the new great competition. As a matter of fact, the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are trying to establish influence in the region in order to surround China and counter North Korea’s nuclear activities. For this reason, the Western Alliance led by the USA; They focused on winning the states of the region through joint exercises, alliances and organizations based on Western ideology..
It can be said that South Korea and Japan are the most important and consolidated allies of both the USA and NATO in the region. In this context, it can be argued that the West is trying to make new allies in the region and to consolidate its current influence mainly through these two states. Yet it is possible to say that the union on the Washington, Tokyo and Seoul lines constitutes the most proactive alliance of the region.
In the Asia-Pacific Region, the borders between the sides are getting sharper. For this reason, the environment of consensus is gradually moving away and an atmosphere emerges in the region where everyone should choose their side. In a context where the security conjuncture has become so fragile, it can be said that the Philippines has chosen the West as an ally. At this point, it can be argued that the Philippines is seen as an important ally for the West due to its Western-based structure, its geopolitical and geostrategic location, and the problems it has with Beijing over the South China Sea.
As a matter of fact, the Philippines is already a state with a Western perspective. However, it can be said that Manila is trying to improve its dialogue with China by following a multi-vector foreign policy. Therefore, it can be deduced that the West wants the Philippines as an ally on its side and is trying to establish this through the USA-Japan-South Korea triangle. Because there are important developments related to this issue in the region. [1]
The first is that the Philippines gave four military bases to the United States[2] and that Philippine Minister of National Defense Carlito Guancing Galvez Jr. granted US access to the Philippines’ military bases was not intended for aggression, but only to increase its ability to defend itself against external threats. is to say. Galvez stated that they were not prepared for war, only trying to develop national defense strategies. [3]
The conflict with Beijing over the South China Sea is also effective in the said move of the Philippines. As a matter of fact, all these constitute a conjuncture that is beneficial for the USA and the West at the same time. Because Manila’s current conflict is pushing it to the West. Taking advantage of this situation, Washington is trying to strengthen its influence and presence in the Asia-Pacific Region through the Philippines and at the same time try to surround China.
It can be said that military bases will disturb China and push it to make a counter move within the scope of its national security. While these bases increase the American presence in the region; it will also escalate the struggle for global influence.
On the other hand, it is of great importance that the Philippines turns to Japan to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea and tries to develop a cooperation with Tokyo. At this point, the news that the Philippines will buy five large patrol ships from Japan and that it will cooperate for the construction of a new pier and headquarters is noteworthy.[4] This move could increase tensions in the South China Sea. Moreover, the fact that this ship purchase is made with Japan may create an extra uncomfortable situation for China.
In this context, the tension in the Asia-Pacific Region pushes the states to choose sides and join a pole. In such a conjuncture, it can be said that the Philippines has internalized the Western perspective in its foreign policy. Because, it can be argued that this situation may manifest as the Philippines’ taking place in the Western Alliance or the development of relations on the Manila-Taipei line in the future.
As a result, it can be said that the Philippines attracts the attention of the West. It is clear that the West is also planning to increase its influence over the Philippines, as seen in the example of South Korea and Japan, and therefore aims to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific. The tension in the Asia-Pacific Region is not expected to be resolved in the short term.
[1] “U.S. to Boost Military Role in The Philippines in Push to Counter China”, The New York Times, https://shorturl.at/qNPQ2, (Date of Access: 04.08.2023).
[2] “U.S. to Boost Military Role in The Philippines in Push to Counter China”, The New York Times, https://shorturl.at/qNPQ2, (Date of Access: 04.08.2023).
[3] “Expanded US Access To Philippines Bases ‘Not For Aggression’, Defence Chief Says”, Channel News Asia, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/expanded-us-access-philippines-bases-not-aggression-defence-chief-says-3320006, (Date of Access: 04.08.2023).
[4] “Philippine Coast Guard Turns To Japan For More Boats”, NHK World-Japan, https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230121_03/, (Date of Access: 04.08.2023).
