The Geopolitics of the Philippines
What is the geopolitical significance of the Philippines?
The second most populous country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is caught up in the intensifying competition between the US and China. Its location means it plays an important role in regional security affairs such as the South China Sea territorial dispute, as well as the economics of changing trade routes and supply chains.
The US, the Philippinesโ most important security partner, likely sees it as a springboard from which containment of China can be launched. As the fifth most mineralized country in the world, the US might also be looking to the Philippines as a source of raw materials in the event of a decoupling from China.
Chinaโs role is likely that of a security spoiler: seeking to deprive the US of an important base of operations. It is already the Philippinesโ top trading partner, accounting for 16% of its exports, and 39% of its imports. Chinese tourists contribute greatly to the Philippinesโ tourism industry.
The Philippines is not likely to want to choose sides. But it may soon be asked to do so: and who it chooses will be of great importance to regional, and indeed world, geopolitics.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
๐ Support my work here:
https://www.patreon.com/ARGlobalSecurity
โ Buy me a coffee:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ARGlobalSec
๐บ Follow Me On Odysee:
https://odysee.com/$/invite/@arglobalsecurity:1
๐ก Non-Patreon Discord Server:
https://discord.gg/QzPUNpZ2D9
๐ Reading List:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/arglobalsecurity (affiliate)
๐ผ Business email:
arglobalsec@gmail.com
๐ฆ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARGlobalSec
๐ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arglobalsec
๐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compa....ny/ar-global-securit
๐ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ARGlobalSecurity
โน๏ธ All sources on Patreon.
โ๏ธ Please like, comment and subscribe!
Thank you for watching!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
