Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had created a buzz around the world because of his ideas, iron fist and even the way he talked.
Recently, Duterte has apparently shifted his support to China instead of the US through a shifting PH foreign policy.
His shift to China had caused to weaken the long-standing alliance between the US and the Philippines. It would also weaken the influence of the US over the disputed island particularly in South China Sea region, according to some reports.
Recently there was a study by debt watcher, Fitch Ratings BMI Research, said the that Duterte's foreign policy shift away from the US towards China could substantially indermibe Washington's geopolitical influence in Asia especially in the rising tensions between Beijings and its neighbors.
The study also concluded that there is big possibility that US and Japan will turn to Vietnam if there is no Philippines. And they are planning to establish a major regional security partner for the disputed South China Sea region.
Philippines Geopolitical Significance
It also appeared that the former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III sealed alliances with US and Japan, and is also mending ties with China.
The Philippines also gained geopolitical importance because of its strategic location, according to the study, for the fact that the country lies along a major global commercial shipping route between South China Seas and the Pacific Ocean.
Duterte's Move to Support China
The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recently declared that there will be no more US-Philippine military exercises in Manila for the reason that the China does not want it. And also announced taht Philippines troops will no longer patrol in the South China Sea because he does bot want hostile acts against China.
He further added that the agreeement in 2014 on the 10 year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement was no signed by the former Philippine President that is why he is questioning the validity. He also questioned the validity of many Philippine military treaties with the US.
