Marcos says no need to balance PH ties between US, China

President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippines does not need to balance its relations with the United States and China as Manila’s foreign policy remains independent. 

”There is no need to balance our relationship between the United States and China. Our foreign policy is an independent one,” Marcos said during a joint press conference with US counterpart Donald Trump at the White House Tuesday.

For his part, Trump welcomed the Philippines’ foreign policy, noting that his administration supports Marcos’ freedom to act in achieving the best interest for the Philippines.

“I don’t mind if he gets along with China, because we’re getting along with China very well,” Trump said.

“I think he has to do what’s right for his country. I’ve always said, you know, make the Philippines great again. Do whatever you need to do,” Trump added.

Trump also said that tilting towards China would not have been good for the Philippines.

”I know you have some problems with another president… and it was the President’s fault. The country may be tilting towards China but we untilted it very very quickly but you know, you did have… you and your country is tilting towards China for a period of time and I just don’t think that would have been good for you,” Trump said. 

”You can deal with China, you should deal with China but when I get elected, everything change and they came right back to us,” Trump added. 

Trump, however, said the US’ ties with China has been ”well.”

Marcos was invited by Trump for a three-day official visit from July 20 to 22. He was hosted at the historic Blair House, the US President’s Guest House for select visiting heads of state and top dignitaries. 

For Trump, it was a great honor to have Marcos in Washington, noting his family’s ”great legacy.”

In January of last year, Marcos said the US and China were key actors in ensuring peace and security in the Asia-Pacific Region, saying that the Philippines will not pick sides and raise tensions among nations.

Marcos has since clarified that the US has nothing to do with its decisions when it comes to addressing territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea, noting that the country ”acts for its own interest.” — RSJ, GMA Integrated News