Explainer: US-Philippines’ turbulent ties, what people are saying about Trump’s visit and Duterte serenades his Asean guests
Outspoken leader’s election last year brought a sudden reversal of the policy of his pro-American predecessor, Benigno Aquino, as he launched a brutal war on drugs
Despite Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte serenading Donald Trump upon his arrival in Manila, Monday’s meeting between the two fiery leaders could not come after a more stormy 16 months in their nations’ decades-long alliance. Here are five things to know about relations between the US and Philippines, and a look at what Filipinos are saying about the leaders’ meeting.
Former colony
The Philippines went from centuries of Spanish rule to becoming a US colony in 1898 under the Treaty of Paris that was signed to end the Spanish-American war.
The colonial period began with a three-year resistance, which claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Filipino nationalists and 4,200 American troops, according to US government historical records.
In 1941, Japanese forces invaded the Philippines and began more than three years of brutal occupation. The Americans later returned to liberate the nation and it gained independence in 1946, marking the start of a 71-year alliance.
Treaty allies
The Philippines and the United States signed a mutual defence treaty in 1951 pledging to help each other if they were attacked by an external enemy.