This is the guy who thinks siding with Communists is okay because of his war on drugs, right?
No, it was the guy who thought since the big dog on the block was going to be China he might as well side with them and not get his country turned into a charnel house again.
A practical move from his POV.
Now that the US has elected Trump he figures that we will still continue to be the power in the Pacific and so he has pivoted back to us.
He is the kind of ally who will always be there when he needs you.
Not my favorite kind but you do know where you stand with him.