US and China Send Congratulatory Messages to New Philippine President, Mentioning "Strong Alliance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] On the 11th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory message to Ferdinand Marcos, the president-elect of the Philippines, expressing his hope to "build a stronger alliance between the two countries." On the same day, Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Marcos, emphasizing the continued strengthening and upgrading of China-Philippines relations under the joint efforts of both countries and stressing the maintenance of ongoing friendly relations.

On the 11th (local time), the White House stated that President Biden conveyed to President-elect Marcos his expectation to "expand cooperation between the two countries on a wide range of issues." The White House explained that this includes responses to COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, promoting economic growth, and respecting human rights.

President Xi also sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Marcos on the same day, stating that "(the efforts of both countries) have contributed to the happiness of the people and regional peace and stability." President Xi added, "China and the Philippines are currently at an important stage of development, and the bilateral relationship has encountered significant opportunities and a bright future."

He further emphasized, "China attaches great importance to the development of relations with the Philippines and hopes to establish a good relationship with President-elect Marcos, deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, and create benefits for the peoples of both nations."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In the context of intensifying hegemonic competition between the United States and China, the diplomatic policy of the Philippines, a military-strategic key point connecting the South China Sea and the Pacific, is attracting global attention. In particular, President-elect Marcos is expected to follow a pro-China approach similar to that of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, while also leaving open the possibility of attempting to improve relations with the United States.

Earlier, President-elect Marcos mentioned that he would maintain the alliance with the United States and carefully discuss issues such as the South China Sea territorial disputes with China.

The Philippines, a former U.S. colony, has had a mutual defense treaty with the United States since the 1950s and is also adjacent to Taiwan, making it an important player when addressing potential conflicts with China. However, relations between the two countries began to deteriorate after President Duterte mentioned the termination of the defense treaty last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.