Trump's return puts Philippines in spotlight over China and climate issues
Maritime laws cause tension between Philippines and China while US support seems likely under Trumpʼs second term. New defense agreements and economic plans face uncertainty alongside environmental concerns
Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed new maritime laws that made China mad about its South-China Sea claims (the laws define sea and air routes in Philippine waters). Beijing didnt like this - they started more naval patrols even though a 2016 court-ruling said their big sea claims werent valid
The US-Philippine connection got stronger this year: they opened four new-style military bases (three up north near Taiwan one down south by the sea). The US put about $80-million into these spots and did some big-time joint exercises; they even brought some mid-range missiles which made China pretty un-happy
The Philippines is the most prime piece of real estate from a military standpoint
The money-side looks ok too: Japan and US made a deal with Manila for the so-called Luzon Economic Corridor which includes:
- Rail systems fix-up
- Port improvements
- Farm business growth
Gilberto Teodoro the defense chief thinks Trump wont ask Manila to pay extra for protection (unlike what he said about Taiwan). The US already has deals to sell military stuff to Philippines and most experts say Trump will keep these going because the spot is too important
But theres a flip side: around 370k Filipino people without papers in US might need to leave when Trump starts his term. Plus the climate thing is rough - Philippines got hit by 5 big storms in just three weeks this year killing 160 folks and making 9-million move away from their homes. Trump says he dont care about rising seas even though Philippines is getting hit 3-4 times harder than other places
