Senator Ricketts on Strengthening US-Philippine Alliance Against China's PRC Presence

Strategic Importance of the Philippines

• 🇵🇭 The Philippines is a key ally in the Pacific, with the alliance growing in importance due to strategic alignment.
• 💡 Despite being outmatched, the Philippines shows resolve in resisting Beijing's unlawful aggression in the South China Sea and acts as a voice within ASEAN.

Military Cooperation and Deterrence

• 🚀 The expansion of EDCA bases in nine strategic sites enhances the ability to deter communist China in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
• 🎯 The deployment of the Typhon missile system allows for holding land-based targets in China and surface ships at risk.
• 🔑 It is extraordinarily important to continue working with Manila to expand US access to these sites and invest in infrastructure for US troops.

Shifting Political Landscape and Public Support

• 🌊 The current administration in Manila under President Marcos represents a significant sea change compared to the previous administration, returning to a more cooperative norm.
• 🤝 The population, given Chinese aggression and coercion, is very much in support of strengthening US-Philippine ties.

Countering Gray Zone Tactics

• ⚠️ Manila's defiance against China's aggressive position and gray zone attacks in the South China Sea is valuable.
• ⚓ The Philippines has done an admirable job on resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, resisting Chinese pressure and coercion.
• 🌍 A comprehensive approach, pushed back in the East China Sea and areas closer to Vietnam, led by the US and joined by allies, will demonstrate a broader problem for China.
• ⚓ Resuming cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard is crucial as they are on the front lines.

Allied Support and Defense Spending

• 🤝 Cooperation between Japan and the Philippines is very encouraging, with Japan stepping up security assistance and lending expertise.
• 💰 It is reasonable to ask the Philippines to aim for 2% of GDP spending on their own defense, given the threats they face, though this requires skilled diplomacy.
• 📈 The Philippines has the economic capability to reach this defense spending target, despite other development priorities.