Geez, thanks for the help, Chinese Communist Party Military, but—no thanks. At least that’s what I would say if I were the Philippines. “Relying on external forces for security will backfire on the Philippines,” suggests China Military Online, one of the CCP propaganda outlets (February 26, 2025).
Recently, senior Philippine officials reiterated their plan to procure the US Typhon mid-range missile system currently deployed in the Philippines and linked the South China Sea issue to the Typhon missile system. Will the Philippines gain the security it seeks by repeatedly stirring up trouble in the South China Sea with the help of external forces?
Maybe. Will the Chinese Communist Party continue to stir up trouble with its chronic attacks on neighboring countries and fatuous dishonest loaded questions? Certainly.
Manila aims to leverage external assistance to accelerate its defense modernization while eagerly anticipating direct security support from Western allies and partners. In essence, it has entrusted nearly all of its national security interests to those foreign powers.
To implement this strategy, the Philippines has expanded access to its military bases for the US and allowed the deployment of the US mid-range missile system on its territory. Meanwhile, it signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan and is in talks to sign similar agreements with Canada and France to attract major powers outside the region to establish a military presence in the country. Additionally, Manila is actively integrating into small-multilateral mechanisms such as US-Japan-Philippines and US-Japan-Philippines-Australia mechanisms, aiming to build a security network anchored by the US.
From the perspective of the Philippine government, the “reliance on major powers” strategy is seen as a path to security. However, this is merely wishful thinking on the part of the Philippine government and certain “right-wing” forces within the country. Analysts [the CCP has barrels of analysts] point out that the pledged security assurances of Washington to Manila are merely part of the strategic deterrence and diplomatic considerations of the US. The Philippine government’s “reliance” strategy may provide emotional comfort to decision-makers, but it will not bring true security to the country….
For a long time, the peace and stability of the South China Sea have been maintained through joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries…. Relying on the “charity” of the West and ceding control of its national defense, the Philippines is not securing safety but inviting disaster.
There you “have it,” Philippines. Tell the U.S. and its weapons to “get lost,” and instead entrust your “peace and stability” requirements “to China” so that China can stop the Chinese ships from harassing the Philippine ships in the South China Sea and China can stop China from cyberattacking the Philippines and China can stop China from sending spies to the Philippines.
Etc. Help China stop China now.
Also see:
Atlantic Council: “How the US and the Philippines should counter Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea”
GMA News: “US deploys Typhon missile launchers to new location in Philippines”
