The increasing tension and a deteriorating security equation in the Asia-Pacific region are pushing states to make alignment choices. These alignments consist of the Western Alliance, led by the United States (US) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), on one side, and the Eastern Axis, comprising actors like North Korea, China, and Russia, on the other.
The Philippines, situated in Southeast Asia and to the east of the South China Sea, holds a geographically significant position due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. [1] Its geographical location makes it a pivotal actor in the US’s strategy to encircle China, given its proximity to the South China Sea, Taiwan, and China. The activities carried out by Beijing in the South China Sea also concern Manila and draw it closer to the Western alignment Furthermore, in the Asia-Pacific region, inter-state boundaries are becoming increasingly distinct, leading to a diminishing environment for consensus. Consequently, a situation is emerging where everyone in the region needs to choose a side.
In this context of a highly fragile security conjuncture, it can be asserted that the Philippines is aligning itself with the West as an ally. It can also be noted that positive dialogues and relations along the Manila-Washington axis represent a win-win scenario. It is noteworthy that the Philippines is strengthening its presence in the South China Sea and seeking to establish a cooperative relationship with Japan. In this regard, the news of the Philippines acquiring five major patrol vessels from Japan and collaborating on the construction of a new base is striking.
This move is highly susceptible to increasing tension in the South China Sea, and the fact that these vessel acquisitions are made with Japan may be an additional cause for concern for China. Furthermore, South Korea is also a country in the Asia-Pacific region with a Western perspective. In this context, it can be argued that the threat perception created by the West also shapes South Korea’s threat perception. [2] In addition, South Korea is one of the countries that most keenly feels the North Korean threat due to its geopolitical position. Therefore, the discussions between South Korea and the Philippines are of great importance.
In this context, it can be said that Seoul is looking for new regional collaborations and alliances due to its security concerns. Expanding the regional Western alliance and establishing new alliances could mean the expansion and further consolidation of the anti-North Korea camp [3]
This situation can also be interpreted as a move by the United States and NATO to increase their influence in the region. The United States may want to enhance its presence in the region and, consequently, strengthen the anti-China front. In this regard, it can be said that the encirclement strategy against China is being accelerated.
In conclusion, the tension in the Asia-Pacific region is compelling states to clearly choose sides and align with a particular pole. In such a conjuncture, it can be said that the Philippines has internalized a Western perspective in its foreign policy, as evidenced by its relations with Seoul. This situation may manifest in the future as the Philippines aligning itself within the Western alliance or further developing relations along the Manila-Taipei axis.
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[1] “The Philippines At A Glance”, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations, https://www.un.int/philippines/philippines/philippines-glance#, (Erişim Tarihi: 06.09.2023).
[2] “Philippine Coast Guard Turns To Japan For More Boats”, NHK World – Japan, https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230121_03/, (Erişim Tarihi: 06.09.2023).
[3] “Secretary of Defense Travels to Republic of Korea, Philippines”, U. S. Department of State, https://www.defense.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3279581/secretary-of-defense-travels-to-republic-of-korea-philippines/, (Erişim Tarihi: 06.09.2023).
