ANALYSIS/OPINION:

Economic and military weakness has its consequences. One of those consequences is that former allies start to look to side with what they believe will be the winning team. Under the Obama administration, which has stabbed allies in the back around the world, our friends are looking to partner with our former adversaries.

Take the Philippines for example, a long-term U.S. ally since WWII. The Manilla Times reports, “Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said an enhancement of military ties between the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) foes was “something we are looking at.”

He also said, “I think, first of all, because of the differences we have in the South China Sea, the two militaries need to talk to each other to enhance trust and mutual confidence to avoid incidents of misunderstanding because no country, including China and the Philippines, wants conflict or tension.”

China is also looking at strengthening economic ties with the PI, once the location of the powerful Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. It was also the Philippines that recently brought a case before the UN tribunal on Chinese claims in the South China Sea, which China lost but ignored.

Mr. Zhao said, “Investments from China in the Philippines, it’s going to be very good for the economic and social development of the Philippines. And China is willing to be an active participant in President Duterte’s socioeconomic agenda so that we can prove together with the Philippines that we are good neighbors, we’re good partners and we are brothers.”

“I think warming up relations with China has its own merits … we will promote not only friendship and cooperation between the two countries, but we will also contribute to the development of the Philippines.

“We have differences but we can talk and I believe we’re patient and wise enough to seek a peaceful solution to whatever differences we have in the South China Sea,” said Mr. Zhao.

America’s other allies in the region must be wondering about the treaty obligations that are in place and if the United States will honor those commitments.

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