The United States has had some sort of influence in the Philippines since it won the Spanish-American War in 1898 and signed the Treaty of Paris. The Spanish gave the colony of the Philippines to the US and soon after their first tensions began. The Filipino people wanted independence, not a new colonial ruler, so the deadly Philippine-American War ensued. That lasted for three years, resulting in many casualties and destruction. Fast forward to 1935, the Philippines became a commonwealth of the United States and then was granted independence in 1946.
On the other hand, China and the Philippines are neighbors separated by the South China Sea. They have long been in relations with one another, stemming from the migration of Chinese people to the Spanish Philippines who integrated into Filipino society due to their desires to trade there. As time has progressed, tension has risen between both nations, mostly due to territorial disputes taking place in the South China Sea. Additionally, the Philippines’ friendly relationship with the United States also causes tension between them and China. The US and China are in constant competition with one another and often clash over privacy rights and other issues.
The article U.S. keeps missile system in Philippines as China tensions rise, tests wartime deployment talks about modern day conflicts between the 3 nations. The U.S. is extending the deployment of a Patriot missile system in the Philippines as tensions rise with China. This move reflects growing military collaboration between the U.S. and the Philippines in response to increased Chinese military activities in the South China Sea. It underscores concerns over territorial disputes in the region and is part of a broader U.S. strategy to bolster its presence in Southeast Asia. This deployment is viewed as a measure to strengthen regional security and counter potential threats from China. China is pushing back against this extension by the U.S., claiming that they are bringing “‘huge risks of war into the region'”.
In conclusion, the United States and the Philippines have had a complex, evolving relationship since the late 19th century, shaped by colonialism, conflict, and later alliances. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ proximity to China has created long-standing regional tensions, particularly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The U.S. missile deployment highlights modern-day strategic concerns, reflecting the Philippines’ delicate balance between its historical ties with the U.S. and its geopolitical tensions with China. As all three nations navigate these strained dynamics, Southeast Asia remains a focal point of global security interests. These tensions impact Filipino society. The U.S. missile system deployment reflects the Philippines’ strategic alignment with the U.S., yet it intensifies anxieties regarding sovereignty and potential conflicts in the South China Sea. Many Filipinos may see this military presence as a necessary protection, while others fear it could provoke further instability.
Other sources:
https://apnews.com/article/china-philippines-south-china-sea-ship-06e9fe0ef440aba09bc650d986d83377
https://www.apcss.org/Publications/SAS/AsiaBilateralRelations/China-PhilippinesRelationsBaker.pdf