NATO’s Indo-Pacific interests
Allowing the United States to put up logistics hubs in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) should be enough but the Philippines cannot commit combat troops in case of a conflict.
Mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Asean must stand together and must have a united voice in ending the war in Ukraine. Its own security, stability and prosperity as a region will be at stake when the conflict spills into the region.
Most favored ally
The Philippines has been getting more attention in the United States because of its geographic location in the Indo-Pacific region as tension with China rises not just over the South China Sea but also because of Taiwan.
FACT-CHECK: Context missing in comparison between audience sizes of Marcos Jr., predecessors
To be asked to deliver a speech before a joint session of a legislature is a high honor accorded to a visiting head of state, and the event is thus usually well-attended. In contrast, the UNGA has been derided as a platform of tyrants.
