Chinese Influence in the Philippines
Ever since the end of World War II and gaining independence from the USA in the late 1940’s there has always been a special relationship in existence between the Philippines and America. This relationship certainly continues at the grassroots level among the populace were everything American is deemed to be correct.
Despite the US moving out of Clark Air Base and the failure by the Philippine government to renew the contract for the Subic Bay facility, Washington had always been viewed as being the Philippine’s number one ally with close economic links being in existence in this friendly partnership.
During the past two decades China was making political overtures and registering claims to the Spratly islands which the Philippines claims sovereignty over. This event led to Manila strengthening its ties with USA.
In recent times both the US and China have been competing to become the major partner of the Philippines, but due to the US involvement in other geographic locations, it now seems that China is gaining the upper hand in its influence in the archipelago.
Certainly in recent times there has been movement by the Manila government to welcome the advances made by Beijing, although the Spratly island issue still remains to be a bone of contention.
Since the year 2002 there have been many political agreements signed by Beijing and Manila including the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation’ which made various agreements relating to joint military training between the two nations, with China making a $6 million donation to the armed forces of the Philippines.
During 2007 the President’s of both countries stated that an age of partnership had been reached and that talks would continue in relation to all aspects of political and defense matters in involving Beijing and Manila.
Since then China has become the largest trading partner of the Philippines and China has assumed responsibility for giving financial aid to Manila for many projects including energy, new infrastructure, and agriculture.
Written by admin on November 10, 2011 under Influence by Theme.
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