China Struggles Against Stronger PH WPS Posture, Backed By US and Other Countries

China’s bumper buggy aggression against Philippine maritime vessels in the West Philippine Sea appears to be a reaction to the country’s growing strength in its overall defense posture, one punctuated last month by honors accorded to the Philippine flag at the United States Marine Corps Barracks in Washington DC — its oldest post.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez was invited to be the guest of honor at the USMC Washington Evening Parade where the Philippine flag was raised — the first time a foreign flag was honored since 1957. The Marine Band also performed the Philippine national anthem twice, for the foreign colors and as musical honors for the Ambassador.

Ambassador Romualdez’s attendance at the Evening Parade symbolizes the continuing friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. This honor comes as the Ambassador returns from Manila, where he participated in the 2+2 bilateral meeting last July 30. During this meeting, both countries reaffirmed the importance of the ironclad Philippines-US alliance. The discussions led to a US$500 million commitment in foreign military financing from the 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, earmarked for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This financial support underscores the depth of the Philippines-US partnership, which is rooted in key agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1998, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement of 2014.

Philippine and US Marines remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing regional security and stability while enhancing collective military readiness. This commitment is displayed through the recent participation of Filipino Marines at the 2024 Rim of the Pacific Exercise, 2024 Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) littoral live fire exercise, and Exercise Balikatan 24, and most prominently, the KAMANDAG exercises, which have been held annually since 2016.

Furthermore, the Philippine Marine Corps and the US Marine Forces Pacific will co-host the 2025 in the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, where 32 countries are scheduled to unite and discuss the enhancement of maritime security in the region.

Ambassador Romualdez has been the Philippine ambassador to the US since the Duterte administration, a feat that gives him a unique and deep understanding of PH US ties that many say will redound to the smooth continuation of US foreign policy in Asia even as it transitions to a new administration after its elections this year.

Oman

Peace be upon you!

Hello everyone, my name is Oman and I am a Middle Eastern man who has been fortunate enough to receive my education in the United Kingdom.

I am excited to share my political insights on the Philippines, a country that has been my home for the past thirty years.

Having grown up in the Middle East, I was initially drawn to the Philippines for its vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for this beautiful nation and its people, which has fueled my desire to understand and contribute to its political landscape.

Living here for three decades has allowed me to witness firsthand the country’s political evolution, from the turbulent times to the remarkable progress it has achieved. I have closely observed the challenges, triumphs, and the resilience of the Filipino people, which have shaped my unique perspective on its political affairs.

Through this blog, I hope to provide a fresh perspective on Philippine politics, drawing upon my Middle Eastern background and British education. I believe that my experiences and insights can contribute to meaningful discussions and shed light on the intricacies of the country’s political landscape.