The U.S., the Philippines, and Japan recently met in Washington for a trilateral summit, where they discussed security, diplomacy, economics, and more. At the meeting, Manila also exemplified a strategic alignment with Washington and Tokyo, particularly in countering China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and pursuing economic diversification away from Chinese dependency.

In a more perfect world, the Philippines proximity to China and relationship with the U.S. would be a net positive for the Southeast Asian power. Yet as things stand today, the situation leaves the Philippines walking a tightrope between the world’s preeminent superpowers.

The ongoing Second Thomas Shoal incident could trigger misjudgments and a wider conflict. Keeping the peace will require a comprehensive approach to crisis management, especially where foundational principles are involved.

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave his second State of the Nation Address last month, where he briefly mentioned the country’s complex relationship with China. As elsewhere, China presents challenges and opportunities for the Philippines, and this should continue to inform Marcos’ evolving foreign policy.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a surprise visit to Beijing last month, taking unusually formal visits with government officials as a private citizen. This reveals a schism among the Filipino ruling elite, diverging on how much the Southeast Asian nation should associate with China.

The Philippines and the U.S. issued new Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which help modernize the alliance, but can’t replace diplomacy when addressing differences.

The Biden administration recently wrapped up two important state visits with President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea and President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines. The meetings signify that Biden is on a trek to improve and affirm ties with key Indo-Pacific countries, but it must continue this trend if the U.S. wishes to remain relevant in the region.

The U.S. and the Philippines held their first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington, D.C. in seven years, with the aim to strengthen strategic cooperation and mark a new era of partnership. Discussions included the ongoing Taiwan crisis and the Philippines' announcement of opening four additional bases to U.S. troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that these bases will not be used for offensive purposes in the event of a Sino-American conflict over Taiwan, despite concerns of dependence and geopolitical provocation.

Generally speaking, the relationship between China and Southeast Asian countries is positive, which adds a degree of certainty in an uncertain world. However, if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. loses his way over the South China Sea and Taiwan, new uncertainty will come.

The United States has gained expanded military access in the Philippines, including the renewal of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and potential joint patrols in the South China Sea, which has raised concerns from some Filipino lawmakers and questions about the country's independent foreign policy. Additionally, there are worries about the speed and transparency of the expansion, as well as its impact on domestic politics and foreign relations with China and beyond.