What is the island of Palawan known for in narrow circles as of late? What should Filipinos ask the Japanese? Why could the Philippines take off into the air? Find the answers to these questions in this New Eastern Outlook article.

Some of them want to use you

In total, the allies planned more than 500 joint military initiatives for the year (within the framework of which – it is evident – the American side is active, and the Philippines is a subordinate participant). The list of initiatives includes various types of exercises, private, specialized events aimed at training operational compatibility, strengthening maritime defense, countering emergency situations and more.

The plan’s priority is to ensure what the United States evasively likes to call the “freedom of navigation in disputed waters”. This euphemism actually translates to “provocations, external interference and escalation of tensions in the South China Sea”. The United States expects the Philippines to up “operational readiness” in the South China Sea as an ally under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, as well as increased coordination between the Philippines and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, forming a policy of deterrence against “external threats” and a “joint response” to challenges.

The agreements are not only anti-Chinese (what else could we expect from the U.S.-Philippine alliance?), but also a clearly aimed towards the increased militarization of the islands.

In essence, the U.S. is using its Philippine partner in several ways at once: to improve its own standing in the Asia-Pacific region, to provoke the enemy (China), to rattle weapons and raise tensions at any given time, to keep an eye on those who displease them, and, finally, to expose........

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