US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte raise a toast during the gala dinner marking the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ 50th anniversary in Manila, the Philippines, on November 12, 2017. Since taking office, Duterte has revisited his country’s relationship with the US and forged ties with China. Photo: AP
Opinion
Opinion
To renew the US-Philippines relationship, start with ditching the American-centric lens
- Mark J. Valencia says a possible review of the Philippines’ Mutual Defence Treaty with the US has alarmed US-Asia policy experts, but the rhetoric continues to centre on American interests
US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte raise a toast during the gala dinner marking the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ 50th anniversary in Manila, the Philippines, on November 12, 2017. Since taking office, Duterte has revisited his country’s relationship with the US and forged ties with China. Photo: AP