Shifting Alliances: China and the United States

Duterte's foreign policy marked a significant departure from his predecessors, particularly in his approach to China and the United States. He sought to cultivate closer ties with China, setting aside the territorial disputes in the South China Sea in favor of economic cooperation and investment. This pivot was a calculated move to diversify the Philippines' international partnerships and reduce its reliance on the United States, a long-standing ally.

The relationship with the United States experienced a period of uncertainty under Duterte's leadership. While maintaining treaty obligations, Duterte often voiced strong criticisms of U.S. foreign policy and threatened to end joint military exercises. This rhetoric, combined with his outreach to China and Russia, signaled a recalibration of the Philippines' geopolitical alignment.