Pivot Toward China: A Critical Analysis of the Philippines' Policy Shift on the South China Sea Disputes (original) (raw)

Pivot Toward China: A Critical Analysis of the Philippines' Policy Shift on the South China Sea Disputes

2019, Pivot Toward China: A Critical Analysis of the Philippines’ Policy Shift on the South China Sea Disputes

This article investigates the Philippines’ puzzling reversal of its position against China following its victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on maritime claims in the South China Sea. Instead of asserting its de jure sovereign rights, which were reaffirmed by the PCA’s decision, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte instead opted to build stronger relations with China. Proposing a burden-sharing analytical approach, the article argues that the Philippines is using China as leverage in its alliance with the United States. By exploiting the “China Card” and downplaying the arbitration case, the Philippines has extracted concessions from Beijing and Washington. In capitalizing on the Sino-American rivalry, Manila has reaffirmed its strategic value within the U.S.‒Philippines alliance while benefitting more visibly from Chinese foreign aid and investment pledges. However, the Philippines’ policy posture vis-à-vis China reflects short-term diplomatic and economic tactics rather than an enduring strategic reorientation away from the United States.