Evolving Philippines‐U.S.‐China Strategic Triangle: International and Domestic Drivers. Issue 4 (23rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heydarian, Richard Javad
• Is Part Of: Asian politics & policy. Volume 9:Issue 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 564
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2017-10-23
• Subjects: independent foreign policy -- Philippines -- Rodrigo Duterte -- South China Sea -- triangular relations; 关键词： 菲律宾 -- 三角关系 -- 独立外交政策 -- 中国南海 -- 罗德里戈·杜特尔特; Asia -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Asia -- Relations -- Periodicals; Asia -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 320.95
• DOI: 10.1111/aspp.12355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1943-0779

Abstract

Abstract : The triangular relations among three states—the Philippines, the United States, and the People's Republic of China—are governed by structural balance of power factors, "pragmatic opportunism" on the part of the superpowers, and the threat and opportunity perceptions of individual Philippine administrations. Recent years have seen Manila dramatically oscillating between the extremes of engagement and deterrence toward China, and dependence on, and independence from, the United States. In particular, while the Benigno Aquino III administration (2010–2016) adopted soft counterbalancing against China and heavily relied on American military support, the succeeding Rodrigo Duterte administration, in contrast, distanced itself from America in favor of deeper engagement with China. The seemingly erratic swings in the pendulum of Manila's foreign policy is a telltale sign of the dilemma of small power politics as well as the tempestuous nature of Philippine domestic politics.