17-7-2023 (MANILA) In a recent Pulse Asia survey, it was revealed that a majority of Filipinos support strengthening military ties between the Philippines and the United States amidst the security tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The poll, conducted in June, indicated that 75% of respondents are in favor of closer military cooperation with the US in light of the maritime dispute with China.
Of the participants, at least 14% expressed their opposition to such cooperation, while 2% stated that they did not have sufficient knowledge to form an opinion and 8% said they could not provide a definite response.
The survey also highlighted that approximately 80% of the respondents strongly agree that the Philippines should forge more alliances to protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who commissioned the survey, expressed his support for a Senate resolution declaring July 12 as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
On the seventh anniversary of the Hague ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash claim, the US Department of State reiterated its commitment to urging Beijing to align its maritime claims with international law as stated in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. The US also emphasized its dedication to working with ally countries, including the Philippines, in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, granting its right to fish and explore resources within its exclusive economic zone and condemning China’s activities in the area. However, China has consistently rejected the tribunal’s ruling and its vessels have continued to interfere with Philippine ships.
Last week, China accused the US of pressuring it to accept the ruling and called on countries outside the region to respect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. The US has also faced criticism from Beijing for allegedly exploiting its expanded access to Philippine military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to meddle in the geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, potentially undermining peace and development in the Philippines.
The expansion of US military bases has raised concerns among minority lawmakers in the House, who argue that it poses threats to women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. They point to the case of Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman who was murdered by a US Marine in 2014 during joint military exercises in the Philippines under the Visiting Forces Agreement.
The Mutual Defense Treaty signed between the US and the Philippines in 1951, which commits both countries to support each other in the event of an armed attack, has long been a fundamental aspect of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
