MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has drawn a firm line in the sand against China, making his country’s increasingly strained relationship with Beijing a focal point of his campaign ahead of the May mid-term elections. Speaking in Mindanao, a stronghold of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos denounced his predecessor’s policies and accused him of compromising Philippine sovereignty in favor of Chinese interests.
“You will choose if we will go back to the time when our leaders wanted the Philippines to be a province of China,” Marcos declared before a large crowd, without directly naming Duterte. His pointed remarks underscored a major shift in the country’s foreign policy direction, which has moved away from Duterte’s China-friendly approach toward a more assertive defense of national interests.
Breaking Away from Duterte’s Legacy
Marcos’ remarks mark a stark departure from the previous administration’s strategy of deepening ties with Beijing, despite ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. During Duterte’s term, the Philippines largely refrained from confronting China over its aggressive territorial expansion, even as Chinese vessels encroached on Philippine waters. Duterte’s pivot away from traditional allies like the United States in favor of closer relations with Beijing led critics to accuse him of undermining Philippine sovereignty.
Marcos, by contrast, has sought to reclaim lost ground. His administration has reasserted the Philippines’ maritime rights, called out China’s military activities in the region, and strengthened diplomatic and defense ties with Western allies. His remarks in Mindanao reflect a broader shift toward a more independent foreign policy that prioritizes national security over economic incentives offered by Beijing.
The Timing of Marcos’ Stand
Marcos’ decision to take a firmer stance against China comes at a crucial moment. Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated in recent months, with repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels. The most recent flashpoint involved Chinese coast guard ships using water cannons against Philippine vessels near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, drawing international condemnation and reinforcing concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
Additionally, with the mid-term elections approaching, Marcos is likely leveraging his tough stance on China to solidify his base and counter opposition forces aligned with Duterte. By positioning himself as a strong leader who prioritizes national sovereignty, he aims to differentiate his administration from that of his predecessor, appealing to a broad spectrum of voters concerned about national security and territorial integrity.
Reasserting Philippine Sovereignty
Marcos’ shift in foreign policy is not just about rhetoric—it has been backed by tangible actions. His administration has expanded military cooperation with the United States, strengthened regional alliances, and ramped up efforts to modernize the Philippine armed forces. The government has also consistently called out China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing the country’s commitment to upholding its maritime rights under international law.
“No one among our candidates is a Chinese lackey who cheered while our Coast Guard was being water-cannoned by big Chinese ships,” Marcos said, signaling a clear break from Duterte’s hands-off approach to Beijing’s maritime aggression.
As Marcos charts a new course for Philippine foreign policy, his willingness to stand up to China represents a significant shift in regional dynamics. Whether this more assertive stance will yield tangible results or provoke further tensions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Philippines is no longer content to be a passive player in the face of Beijing’s ambitions. (zai)