I don’t disagree that they are trying to get help because of China. But they are also permitting Japan to go in place and the US is going to work with Manila to increase their military possibilities. But an important part of the deal, according to Stars and Stripes, is that the US can be a military presence to slow China in their attempt to take over the substantial oil and natural gas in the region, in particular, the Spratly Islands, a collection of rocky outcrops not far from the Philippines’ Palawan island. By developing these, and other fields, the Philippines present themselves as a good risk for investment with the US and Japan in place. So by bringing in the US, and Japan, it places an appearance of stabilization and puts investors at ease.
So, you’re right about the China problem, but there is more to the problem than just China’s presence. they are literally “bad for business.”
red
Oil and gas and fishing are the least of it. Trade control is the big thing. The Chinese claims mean that it would be impossible to leave Manila Bay, in normal commerce, without passing through Chinese-claimed waters. That is enormous leverage.
The Chinese have been pressing bilateral talks because they want to make a deal - the terms of which I believe have already been presented to the Phil Gov, which doesnt want it, but may eventually be forced to agree.
Such a deal is not in the best interests of anyone but the Chinese. The last thing East Asia needs are Chinese bases in the Philippines. But without credible support from the outside, and only the US is in a position to do so, the Phils may not have a choice.