South Korea Vying with China as New Benefactor for Philippines

Voice of America ^ | November 20, 2017 | Ralph Jennings

[2ndDivisionVet]

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — South Korea is vying with China to help develop the Philippines, as the aid recipient’s president crafts a multi-country foreign policy with no clear favorite.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in told counterparts from the Philippines, as well as nine other Southeast Asian countries at regional summits last week, that Seoul was “the best partner to share the experience” of economic growth. South Korea, he said, can aid the others in high-tech, railways, clean energy and water management.

The Philippines stands near the front of the line for that assistance, analysts say. China pledged $24 billion in aid in October 2016 and last week signed 14 economic cooperation agreements, including one covering railways. Japan's prime minister announced $8.8 billion in economic support last month.

South Korea wants to keep up, especially with China, to ensure the Philippines stays in a U.S.-led alliance of Asia-Pacific countries, said Herman Kraft, political scientist at University of the Philippines Diliman. Washington, Seoul, Tokyo and Manila traditionally work together checking the expansion of China, a former Cold War rival.

“I think one of the things that Korea might actually be concerned about right now is of course, in a similar groove with Japan, they’d like to make sure that the Philippines doesn’t just turn around in terms of its relationship with the United States.” Kraft said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte broke ice with China last year by setting aside a maritime sovereignty dispute that had divided them for four years. At the same time, he was threatening to stop U.S. support for his own relatively weak armed forces....

[Gay State Conservative]

The Philippines would be much,*much* smarter to embrace South Korea than China.

[GoldenState_Rose]

Really curious what South Korea envisions for itself with regard to future with the North...Also wonder how held back by the conflict it continues to be. It’s clear one of the reasons China keeps North Korea regime afloat is the fear of a united Korea vying for greater influence of the region.

[Chauncey Gardiner]

The Nipa Hut serving kimchi rice would be nice

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks 2ndDivisionVet.

[Berosus]

South Korea and the Philippines have been the best of friends since both became independent. For example, Koreans will go to the Philippines to learn English, or hire Filipino teachers, because most Filipinos know English already, and they are cheaper than American teachers.

[SunkenCiv]

would be a nice gig, at least in the summer months. :^)

[Berosus]

I have been to the Philippines, and would rather go there in the cooler months. Manila in November feels like Florida in the summer; I can handle that. However, my wife is from Mindanao, and that island is so close to the equator that the heat almost killed me!

[SunkenCiv]

:^)