By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The U.S.-Philippines alliance has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, emerging as a cornerstone of stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific region. As Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, noted, the alliance has made “remarkable progress” and is “truly transformative and decisive” in the face of evolving regional dynamics, according to a Department of Defense News story.
No doubt, the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines has experienced its fair share of challenges, but the current administration has worked tirelessly to revitalize the alliance. The meeting between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021 marked a turning point, with both sides committing to a renewed partnership. This momentum has continued under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with regular engagements between the two nations’ leaders.
Under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the alliance has expanded U.S. rotational access to strategic sites within the Philippines, enhancing the U.S. military’s operational flexibility. This agreement not only bolsters combined training and exercises but also facilitates humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. In 2024, the addition of four new strategic sites under this agreement underscored a significant year of military and strategic enhancements. Ratner highlighted this expansion as pivotal, enhancing the U.S. force posture to become “more mobile, distributed, resilient, and lethal.”
The U.S.-Philippines alliance has been elevated to a “most vital defense partnership” globally, with a focus on interoperability, force modernization, and multilateral cooperation. The agreement for U.S. rotational presence in the Philippines has been a significant development, enabling enhanced training, exercises, and humanitarian assistance. Likewise, the two nations are also exploring new opportunities for cooperation with like-minded partners across the Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, the South China Sea remains a contentious issue, with China challenging the Philippines’ lawful rights to the Second Thomas Shoal. The U.S. has steadfastly supported the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of international law and the need for all nations to respect the rights of others. As Ratner noted, China’s claims have “no credibility” and are “destabilizing and dangerous.”
Another dimension of this evolving alliance is the recent activation of the U.S.-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, known as the “123 Agreement.” This treaty, which came into effect on July 2, 2024, marks a significant advancement in bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation in civil nuclear energy. This agreement facilitates the transfer of nuclear technology and materials, aiming to bolster energy security and address global climate challenges collaboratively. The agreement underscores a commitment to developing a secure, modern, and regulatory-compliant nuclear sector in the Philippines.
Now, the Philippines is increasingly active in regional minilateral formations, working alongside countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. This collaboration aims to enhance interoperability and address common regional challenges. Such cooperative frameworks signify a shift toward a more integrated and strategically aligned Indo-Pacific region.
As the two nations continue to deepen their ties, their cooperation will have far-reaching implications for the South China Sea and beyond. With a shared commitment to international law, multilateral cooperation, and capacity building, the U.S.-Philippines alliance is poised to address the complex challenges of the 21st century. As Ratner noted, the alliance is “healthy and poised for more achievements to come.”
