In what some have interpreted as the Philippines’ pivot away from China, Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. told United States’ (US) President Joe Biden on Thursday that Manila views Washington as an ally, friend, and partner.
In Bongbong’s remarks to his US counterpart before beginning their first in-person bilateral talks, the leader assured Biden of his government’s commitment to strengthen ties with the Western superpower ahead of their bilateral talks. “We are your partners, we are your allies, we are your friends. And in like fashion, we have always considered the US our partner, our ally and our friend,” Marcos declared. He added that their “100-plus-year-old relationship” continues “to evolve” as it confronts “the challenges of this new century” and “the events… over the past few months.” “So we have very much to discuss in terms of redefining I suppose in many ways,” he said.
Biden, meanwhile, said that he is committed to continuing to “strengthen this relationship,” which he noted has “very deep roots.” Biden underscored that although bilateral ties had been through “some rocky times,” their alliance remains “a critical, critical relationship” for Washington. “I hope you feel the same way,” Biden said to Marcos, adding, “We can do a lot together. I’m desperately interested in making sure we do.”
We are optimistic that we can further strengthen our alliance as we work together towards improving the quality of life for both our peoples. pic.twitter.com/fRJdZ9r9LO
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) September 23, 2022
Referring to their longstanding Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Biden reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad commitment to the defence of the Philippines.” To this end, Marcos said the US’ role “in maintaining the peace in our region is something that is much appreciated by all the countries in the regions and the Philippines especially.” “We continue to look to the US for that continuing partnership and the maintenance of peace in our region,” he stated.
They also discussed the situation in the South China Sea (SCS) and “underscored their support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
According to a press release by the White House, the leaders, who met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Debate in New York, “reflected on the importance” of their alliance and discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in energy security, climate action, and infrastructure.
They also discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and how it had affected energy prices and food security, as well as the crisis in Myanmar and the importance of upholding human rights.
Today I met with President Marcos of the Philippines.
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 22, 2022
Our nations' relationship is rooted in democracy, common history, and people-to-people ties, including millions of Filipino-Americans who enrich our nation.
Our alliance is strong and enduring. pic.twitter.com/BTCx2qYMdH
Marcos Jr. has in recent weeks strongly emphasised on the importance of ties with the US while also taking a stronger stance against China. In fact, just this Monday, Marcos Jr said he could not envision not having the US as a partner. “It is very clear to me, in my vision for the way that the country will move forward, that I cannot see the Philippines in the future without having the United States as a partner,” Marcos said during an economic forum at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). “When we are in crisis, we look to the United States,” he stressed.
The statements come in a marked departure from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who repeatedly threatened to tear up the VFA, and who once publicly announced that the Philippines had “separated” from the US and aligned itself with China.
Marcos said on the campaign trail back in May that he was considering “extending” and “redefining” the VFA due to the “changing environment” in the region. Prior to entering office, he also hinted that he would take a strong approach against Beijing by upholding the 2016 international ruling against its claims in the disputed SCS.
In fact, as of last week, the Philippines had filed 52 protests against China over their dispute in the SCS in the first 70 days of the Marcos presidency. Bloomberg’s Andreo Calonzo has noted that this is “more than a tenth” of the 388 such protests lodged during Duterte’s six-year presidency.