China-U.S. Relations and the May 2016 Philippine Elections

Despite some negative social costs, most Philippine presidential candidates welcome American presence in the country because it provides deterrence from China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. But China is very wary of EDCA and the subsequent increase of U.S. military presence in the Philippines because of Beijing’s long-standing fear of American containment.

Rommel C. Banlaoi Director, Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S5KI7i