The Philippines: America’s ally in the Pacific

OPINION:

The United States has no stronger or more loyal ally in the Indo-Pacific than the Philippines. Bound by a century-old alliance, deep cultural ties, and a shared history of sacrifice, our nations have stood together in war and peace. Yet today, as the Philippines faces daily threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea, the U.S. risks taking this critical relationship for granted.

This is a geopolitical struggle and a daily fight for Filipinos’ sovereignty. Chinese forces repeatedly harass Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal, deploying water cannons, ramming supply boats, and blocking Filipino troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre. This is not mere posturing—the PRC, led by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is actively engaging in a campaign of armed aggression against a sovereign state, one that happens to be a treaty ally of the United States.

A Strategic Relationship Under Siege

The Philippines is America’s first line of defense in the region, a natural fortress between the Pacific and Asia. Since World War II, U.S. forces have relied on Filipino sailors and officers who serve with distinction in the U.S. Navy. This alliance is not just political—it is deeply personal.

Yet, for years, China has worked to undermine this partnership. The most alarming example is its influence on the Philippines’ power grid. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which controls the nation’s electricity, has a Chinese state-owned firm as a major stakeholder. Worse yet, the grid’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is built in China, meaning Beijing could disable the Philippines’ power supply at the flick of a switch.

The PRC has also blocked Philippine access to its own offshore gas reserves at Malampaya and Reed Bank—reserves that could reduce its dependence on foreign energy. Every attempt to explore or drill has been met with Chinese naval interference, using intimidation tactics to maintain economic control. Beijing’s goal is clear: weaken the Philippines economically and militarily, forcing it into submission.

A President Betting on America

Under former President Rodrigo Duterte, the U.S.-Philippines alliance reached a low point. Duterte courted Beijing, downplayed China’s territorial encroachment, and even suggested pivoting away from Washington. Sensing opportunity, China expanded its economic and political influence, embedding itself in key Philippine infrastructure. Duterte, who maintained close ties with Beijing during his presidency, has since been sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to stand trial for alleged crimes committed during his controversial war on drugs.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has fully embraced the United States in a dramatic reversal. Unlike his predecessor, Marcos recognizes that the Philippines cannot afford to appease the CCP. His administration has opened new military bases to U.S. forces, strengthened the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and taken a harder stance on China’s territorial aggression.

This is a bold gamble. Mr. Marcos is betting on America to stand by its oldest Pacific ally, just as the Philippines has always stood by the U.S. If Washington fails to back the Philippines with more than just words, it will send a dangerous message—not just to Manila, but to every nation in the region.

Why America Must Step Up

The Philippines is engaged in a David vs. Goliath struggle against the PRC. Its navy and coast guard are undermanned and outgunned. Without U.S. military and economic support, Beijing will escalate harassment, further restricting Philippine sovereignty and tightening its grip over the West Philippine Sea.

But this is not just about the Philippines but the entire Indo-Pacific. The PRC’s 10-dash line claims virtually the entirety of the South China Sea, encroaching on the waters of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Taiwan. If the CCP is successful in bullying the Philippines into submission, it won’t likely stop there. The rest of the region will see the writing on the wall and conclude that resisting Beijing is futile and that the U.S. is an unreliable partner.

For the U.S., supporting the Philippines is not charity—it’s strategic self-interest. A free and independent Philippines ensures that China does not dominate the South China Sea, a trade route vital to $5 trillion in global commerce annually. It also strengthens America’s credibility, demonstrating that the U.S. honors its commitments to democratic allies.

Given the CCP’s agenda’s predatory nature and America’s strategic interests, the U.S. must act decisively. Words are not enough. The U.S. should support the Philippines with modern naval and air capabilities, including drones. missile systems, and patrol vessels to counter Communist Chinese aggression. Washington should also assist Manila in securing its offshore gas fields and reducing Chinese leverage over its power grid. The U.S. and its allies should also help expand infrastructure and technology investments, providing alternatives to China’s economic stranglehold. Finally, America must make it crystal clear that an attack on Philippine forces is an attack on a treaty ally—and back it up with action.

A Defining Moment for America’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

The Philippines has always been America’s most steadfast ally in the Pacific. Now, at its moment of greatest need, it is time for the U.S. to honor that alliance—not only for the Philippine people but also for the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Anything less would be a betrayal of history—and a surrender to Beijing’s growing tyranny.

• Erik Bethel is a Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and served as President Trump’s Director at the World Bank from 2018-2020.