The Philippines should learn its lessons from other ASEAN states. It should have a more independent foreign policy and be less dependent on the West. It is unclear if the US and NATO would be there if conflict erupts.
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Asia’s premier security conference, Shangri-la Dialogue, resumed with rivals United States and China trading barbs, accusing each other of raising tensions in the region.
The Russians and Chinese are not foolish enough to swallow Duterte’s rhetoric against the West over supposed interference, while the Philippines at the same time enjoys close security cooperation with Western powers. By Manny Mogato
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said his second visit to Russia this week would be a showcase of his “agile” foreign policy that would allow Manila and Moscow to reap the benefits of a newfound partnership.