Reconfiguring 21st Century Philippine-United States Alliance: Facing Up to a China Challenge in the South China Sea?

Abstract

Applying the concept of alliance management, this article examines current developments in 21st century Philippine-United States alliance. It observes that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has focused its attention and resources on internal security in the past six decades. Thus, it is militarily incapable of confronting a powerful and assertive China in the South China Sea. However, the post-9/11 revival of the alliance provides the U.S. the opportunity to assist its ally in tackling the China challenge. Specifically, there are two things that Washington can do in this regard: one, provide patrol craft for the AFP's transition from internal security to territorial defense; and two, assist the AFP rid itself of the bureaucratic inertia caused by its long engagement in domestic security operations. In conclusion, the article contends that the Aquino Administration's plan to develop the Philippine military's surveillance and border patrol (not naval war-fighting) capabilities will secure, in some measure, the country's maritime territories and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Despite this, the long-term Philippine maritime security is still dependent on the U.S.'s resolve to remain as the dominant Pacific power way into the 21st century.