Lauren Brady Period 4 October 10, 2016 Rodrigo Duterte

          Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippines, has said and done some controversial things, but his current actions are raising questions, especially for America. Duterte has openly announced that he is going to form alliances with China and Russia, formerly countries that the Philippines criticized. He says that he wants to shift Philippine dependence away from America and make their foreign policy more independent. Duterte is looking towards China and Russia to provide alliances that will create Philippine strength, and his first state visit will be to China to discuss a 25-year military agreement that will allow the purchase of weapons. Although Duterte has said that he does not wish to break ties with America, he has become more distant. Recently, he has cancelled joint patrols of the South China Sea with America and has threatened to expel U.S. special Forces from the island of Mindanao. The timing of these events should not come as a surprise after the deteriorating relations between America and the Philipines has led to some curious words from President Duterte. On the subject of the increasing military presence of America in the South China Sea and elsewhere, Duterte called President Obama and expletive and has shifted cooperation from America and the west and towards Beijing. Even though he enjoys high approval ratings from the Philippine electorate, America is also popular there, meaning that Duterte completely severing ties with America will be unlikely.

          As Asia becomes more unstable, it is very important to watch our allies' movements closely to ensure that America's interests are not betrayed. President Rodrigo Duterte is a self-proclaimed socialist and holds views that are radically different from America's and the UN's, leading to conflicting opinions. Because of his upcoming state trip to China, the West fears different alliances, pacts, and treaties will lead to the Philippines becoming a strong ally of China. The shifting of alliances could lead to contested situations or even a war in Asia. That is why it is important to make sure that we choose our allies carefully. This is like when France betrayed America, their ally, in retaliation to Jay's Treaty. France attacked innocent American merchant ships and refused to host the American envoy, even threatening him with arrest. Then, with the XYZ affair, demanded a bribe just to allow the envoys to speak with their foreign minister, Talleyrand. After many battles between the Navies, Adams skillfully avoided the eminent war. Several of Duterte's actions look similar to France's, like halting American patrols of the South China Sea and threatening to expel U.S. Special Forces from Mindanao. 

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/17/opinions/philippines-duterte-china/index.html