After taking office in 2016, Duterte refused to make the court decision by forging closer ties with China, while announcing a “separation” from the United States, his country`s largest military ally in decades. But in recent months, his government has begun to move back toward America, which remains popular with Filipinos, as Beijing has strengthened its persuasive power in the South China Sea and the Philippine economy is suffering from the COVID 19 pandemic. In one way or another, the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines on 9 June gave Beijing a welcome opportunity to change the narrative. In a series of articles, including a contribution from China`s ambassador to the Philippines, Beijing has complained about the vitality of relations. In an exchange between heads of state and government, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, “I attach great importance to the development of Sino-Philippine relations,” and Duterte added that China was a “close neighbour and a valued friend.” The two heads of state also spoke by telephone on the evening of June 11, after which the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Duterte had promised “to be China`s eternal friend and not allow anyone to exploit the Philippines for anti-Chinese activities.” In the future, Beijing`s plan to leave the VFA behind is clear. But that doesn`t take anything away from what could have been for Beijing, which should move closer to the end of the U.S. Philippine Security Alliance and focus more on China in its place. According to Holsti, the active independent role goes beyond the simple search for an “independent” foreign policy (1970, p. 262). Instead, it emphasizes “both independence, self-determination, possible mediation functions and active programs to extend diplomatic and trade relations to different parts of the world” (Holsti 1970, p.
262). In the Philippines, Duterte`s goal was to establish the country as an independent regional and international player, capable of making decisions based on its national interests, rather than acting on the interests of other states (Duterte, 2017; 2018; 2019). Given China`s rise, this would also imply independence from U.S. foreign policy and the flexibility to improve diplomatic and economic relations with China. In addition, the “active” component of the role involves extending relations with other countries within and outside Southeast Asia. The active independent role is widely supported by President Duterte. Comments on the joint exercises continue to show their common spirit of unity and AFP`s support for the United States in its diplomatic and military objectives. Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo saw the balikatan drills as an appropriate tribute to the “filipino and American soldier-patriots as they fought side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, against seemingly insurmountable opportunities` during World War II (Nepomuceno, 2019b).
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