The Philippines’ diplomatic strategy toward the US and China: From theory to reality

China and the Philippines have a long history of relations. This relationship has developed and achieved many significant milestones despite many ups and downs. China’s rise began approximately 2010 when it surpassed Japan to become the world’s second largest economy after the United States. This has drawn the attention of countries in the region seeking opportunities from China’s development. Moreover, to realize its strategic ambitions as a great power in the 21st century, China had to set strong goals, with the economy as the driving force behind all development activities. The Philippines, a neighboring country with many characteristics suitable for China’s political, economic and diplomatic goals, became an important factor in China’s rise. In implementing a policy of closer relations with China, the Philippines could not ignore the influence of the United States. The Philippines is one of the United States’ Asian allies, along with Japan, South Korea and Australia, and is a driving force behind the United States’ policy of increasing dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. This article will focus on the impact of the United States on China and the Philippines, as well as the process of Philippine–China relations in many fields, with a focus on politics–diplomacy, economy and security–defense in the first two decades of the 21st century.