The Philippine government is preparing for a crucial diplomatic visit to Washington, marking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first bilateral summit with President Donald Trump.
This visit comes at a time of significant economic unease, as the United States plans to increase tariffs on Philippine exports to 20 percent, effective August 1.
Business leaders in the Philippines have expressed their alarm over the impending tariff hike, which follows a period of recalibration in the trade policies under Trump’s second term, characterized by a more transactional approach to economic partnerships.
Currently, the United States is among the Philippines’ foremost trading partners, but the trade deficit of $4.9 billion recorded in 2024 has heightened strain in U.S.-Philippine relations.
Filipino officials have cautioned that increased duties on exports could severely impact industries that depend on the U.S. market.
In addition to economic discussions, the visit is expected to reinforce the growing alignment of the Philippines with Washington in the face of escalating tensions in the South China Sea.
The past year has seen increasing pressures on Philippine ships from Chinese vessels in disputed waters, prompting Manila to enhance defense cooperation with the United States.
In April, joint military exercises took place, incorporating the Typhon missile system, a mobile land-based launcher designed to strike maritime targets.
These exercises, conducted under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), represent a significant escalation in strategic coordination aimed at deterring potential Chinese aggression.
U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have reiterated their strong commitments to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which compels both nations to respond to armed attacks in the Pacific.
As the Philippines prepares to assume the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, President Marcos is likely to seek U.S. backing for a legally binding Code of Conduct to manage disputes in the South China Sea.
Negotiations on this critical code have encountered setbacks, frustrating Philippine officials who are eager to establish a firm, enforceable framework to minimize escalation and protect maritime rights.
While the United States is not directly participating in these negotiations, U.S. support for Manila’s efforts is anticipated, aiming to bolster regional security frameworks and uphold international law.
An emerging trilateral partnership involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippines is also expected to gain momentum during this summit.
In April 2024, leaders from the three nations initiated a strategic dialogue focused on enhancing maritime surveillance, cyber infrastructure, and military coordination, with Japan anticipated to play an observer role in forthcoming U.S.-Philippine joint exercises.
Despite strengthening defense ties, Filipino officials remain apprehensive about the long-term reliability of U.S. economic policy, especially in light of Trump’s tariff strategies.
For President Marcos, this visit represents not only an opportunity to seek immediate economic concessions but also to shape a long-term foreign policy that more clearly aligns with U.S. interests.
The outcomes of this important trip could significantly influence Manila’s position in a region increasingly defined by great-power competition.
As the Philippines gears up to take on a leadership role within ASEAN, it faces the complexities of being both a distressed trade partner and a strategically significant security ally.
image source from：asianjournal
