In an optimistic display, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is close to finalizing a significant trade agreement with the Philippines during a meeting at the White House with President Ferdinand Marcos.
Trump commented on the negotiations, stating, “We’re very close to finishing a trade deal. A big trade deal, actually,” while recognizing Marcos as a tough negotiator.
Despite the progress made, Trump noted that the negotiations have been challenging, adding, “So far we’re not there because he’s negotiating too tough.”
In a confident tone, Trump expressed hope for a positive outcome, saying, “We’ll probably agree on something.” His meeting with Marcos also included attacks on his predecessors, Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
The trade discussions come in the context of escalating tensions, as the Philippines faces proposed tariffs on goods exported to the United States, which have been raised to 20 percent from a previous 17 percent warning issued by Trump.
Historically, the Philippines has been a close ally of the United States, having been a former colony. The current tariff threats are perceived as a new challenge in the bilateral relationship, despite both countries strengthening defense ties amidst rising confrontations with China in the South China Sea.
Under Biden’s administration, U.S. military assets, including ground-launched missiles, have been deployed in the Philippines. Moreover, plans to establish ammunition manufacturing capabilities in the country are under consideration, a strategic pivot following the closure of the U.S. naval base at Subic Bay in 1992.
Marcos emphasized the importance of defense cooperation with the U.S., stating, “All of what we consider part of the modernization of the Philippine military is really a response to the circumstances that surround the situation in the South China Sea.
We are essentially concerned with the defense of our territory and the exercise of our sovereign rights.
Our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States.”
The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea highlight the need for robust military support from the U.S., as China claims nearly all of the waters despite a ruling that found no legal basis for such assertions.
President Trump has frequently scrutinized Western allies regarding their military expenditures, questioning the burden on the U.S. to defend them in NATO agreements.
However, he has shown confidence in the Philippines, with both Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirming their commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty during their meetings with Marcos.
Trump has identified China as the principal adversary for the U.S. but has also noted his cordial relationship with President Xi Jinping.
While in conversation with Marcos, Trump indicated he might visit China soon at Xi’s invitation, stating, “I don’t mind if he gets along with China very well, because we’re getting along with China very well.”
Nevertheless, he also pointed out that the Philippines was potentially “tilting toward China” before asserting that his administration quickly returned the partnership to a more favorable standing for the U.S.
Reflecting on the political landscape, Trump attributed the shift in relations to his efforts, contrasting them with those under Biden’s leadership, despite Marcos having collaborated with the current administration.
The former administration led by Rodrigo Duterte had been perceived as seeking closer ties with China and expressed frustration over U.S. criticism regarding human rights issues.
Duterte now faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which has been linked to thousands of deaths.
As the potential trade deal looms, both nations seem poised to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, intertwining economic interests with defense strategies.
image source from：kuwaittimes
