News | Philippines May 21, 2024, 8:00 am
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s attempts to steer the Philippines towards a closer relationship with China were fraught with challenges and ultimately did not achieve the desired results. While Duterte’s policies faced significant opposition from within his administration, the geopolitical and domestic implications of his approach became increasingly evident over time.
Internal Disagreements and Implementation Challenges
Duterte’s pro-China policies were met with resistance from various members of his cabinet and other government agencies. Although Duterte made verbal agreements with China, such as allowing only food and water supplies to be sent to troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayunjin Shoal, this stance was not uniformly supported. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, for example, was unaware of this arrangement and continued to send construction materials, leading to confrontations with the Chinese Coast Guard.
Geopolitical Tensions and Public Backlash
The geopolitical tension between the Philippines and China, particularly regarding the South China Sea, further complicated Duterte’s policies. China’s assertive actions in disputed territories, including the militarization of artificial islands, exacerbated the situation. The Chinese embassy’s efforts to block the Philippines from repairing the BRP Sierra Madre only intensified these tensions. Public opinion in the Philippines generally remained wary of China, with many citizens viewing Duterte’s overtures as compromising national sovereignty.
DFA’s Role and Shifts in Foreign Policy
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. presented a notable divergence from Duterte’s pro-China stance. Unlike his predecessors, Locsin openly opposed China’s attempts to explore for oil and gas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. His strong stance highlighted internal discord within the administration regarding foreign policy direction. This resistance within the DFA was compounded by Duterte’s non-micromanagement style, which allowed cabinet members considerable autonomy.
Defense Department’s Balancing Act
At the Department of National Defense, Lorenzana’s experience and connections in the United States influenced his approach. Despite Duterte’s anti-American rhetoric and initial declarations to reduce U.S. military presence, Lorenzana maintained critical defense alliances. The annual “Balikatan” military exercises with the U.S. continued, underscoring the complex balancing act between Duterte’s pro-China policies and the defense establishment’s preferences.
Military and Coast Guard Actions
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Coast Guard played pivotal roles in maintaining the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea. Despite Duterte’s pro-China rhetoric, naval and coast guard operations continued to assert the Philippines’ territorial claims. Notably, the navy opposed a Chinese company’s takeover of a strategic shipyard in Subic, citing national security concerns, and established their headquarters there.
Economic and Pandemic Impacts
The economic benefits promised by closer ties with China were slow to materialize. Many high-profile projects faced delays and bureaucratic obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained the economic landscape, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on a single foreign partner. As Chinese investments became less forthcoming, the economic rationale for Duterte’s pivot was increasingly questioned.
Conclusion: A Recalibrated Approach
In the latter part of his administration, Duterte sought to restore and strengthen traditional alliances, particularly with the United States and other regional partners. This shift indicated a more balanced approach to foreign policy, reflecting the complex realities of international relations in the Indo-Pacific region. Duterte’s China strategy underscores the challenges of navigating geopolitical competition and the importance of diversified foreign relations to safeguard national interests.
Overall, Duterte’s attempt to align the Philippines more closely with China faced significant hurdles. The internal resistance within his administration, coupled with the persistent challenges in the South China Sea dispute and the unfulfilled economic promises, led to a strategic recalibration. The experience under Duterte’s leadership highlights the need for a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy that prioritizes national interests and maintains robust international partnerships.
