Alliance cashes in

Dividends from the revitalized relations between the Philippines and the United States from the start of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have started to manifest in terms of the attention the country has been getting from decision-makers.

The recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on 26 March titled “Shared Threats: Indo-Pacific Alliances and Burden Sharing in Today’s Geopolitical Environment” emphasized the strategic importance of deepening US engagement and financial support for the Philippines.

The discussion was focused on the evolving alliance under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Randall Schriver, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, who was a resource speaker, emphasized the Philippines’ critical role in countering China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific, especially in the West Philippine Sea, where Beijing has escalated its coercive tactics.

His testimony underscored the need for increased US investment in Philippine maritime capabilities and for economic resilience to bolster its position as a frontline ally.

Schriver, now chairman of think tank Project 2049 Institute, said at the inquiry that the Philippines remains a cornerstone of US strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

He indicated that Beijing has ramped up its coercion, harassing Philippine fishermen, militarizing artificial islands, and challenging Manila’s rights within its exclusive economic zone, like at Ayungin Shoal, where the beached BRP Sierra Madre is an outpost.

Schriver said the expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and joint exercises like Balikatan have signaled that the US stands with the Philippines in the region.

China’s response to the strengthened alliance has been predictable — increasing its gray-zone tactics.

The key expert asked the Senate committee if the US “is doing enough to burden-share with Manila and ensuring they have the maritime capabilities and economic resilience to push back.”

“If we falter, we risk losing not just a partner but a critical anchor for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he stressed.

In behaving aggressively towards the Philippines, Schriver mused what China might do to tip the balance in the coming elections.

“So they’re playing a bit of a long game, too, in addition to the points of coercion that are much more acute,” he said.

The bottom line of the inquiry was the officials’ realization of the need for more cooperation, including support for the Philippine Coast Guard, which is on pause.

The cooperation between Japan and the Philippines is very encouraging, according to Schriver.

“If you look at a map and what’s in the middle of both countries, you’ll see Taiwan,” he said.

Security cooperation is oriented toward “that major known contingency.”

It was mentioned at the inquiry that $500-million worth of foreign military sales were directed to the Philippines last year.

Given the threat to the Philippines, it’s reasonable to ask for the ramping up of defense spending to about two percent of gross domestic product, about $10 billion or P500 billion.

The proceeding reflected a consensus for the need to enhance the US commitment to the Philippines — crediting President Marcos’ pivot away from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China stance toward a more substantial alignment with Washington.

Schriver said the sea change in foreign policy justifies more excellent US financial and strategic support, such as advanced military deployments and infrastructure investments, to ensure that the Philippines can withstand Chinese pressure and contribute to regional stability.

The term “increased burden-sharing” refers to expanded aid and enhanced support for the country’s defense capabilities, positively contributing to achieving a regional security balance.