Philippines is a strategic location. USA needs the Philippines in controlling the South China Sea. And it is very important in its Asia Pivot.
Possible Outcome:
USA may gave counter offer to Digong. More investments, aid, loans and military weapons or USA will call the bluff and sanction the Philippines. Cut the Aids and Loans, can put high tariffs on our exports and remittances. It can transfer the BPO/American companies to other countries. Or they will do the dirty work, like assassination or regime change. Millions of call center agents may lose will their job.
China can also give rights to the fishermen to the contested areas. Joint epxlorations on oil and minerals on the spratlys. Loans, aid and investments may reach up to $21 Billion for Digongs project. We will be part on the new silkroad project of China. We will have access to the 100 million tourists of china.
Philippines can now buy cheaper jet planes and missiles from Russia and China. Russia can now help us on the bataan power plant and to build more nuclear plants to lessen our dependence on oil. Remember USA they did not wan't to sell those high tech weapons to Philippines instead sold its old retired coastguard cutters without its weapons and 2 planes without missiles. They are giving $3.5 billion to Israel, $1 billion to Egypt, $1 billion to Pakistan and to us its close ally $31 million for the military every year. Those old cost guard cutters 2 planes are not enough to counter china. If China invades Philippines will invaded in less than 24 hours.
Very well said. I agree in your first statement that the US will make counter offer for the PH. I think Duterte decision will give a positive response from the US.
Very poor decision if implemented. The US has always respected the Philippines, seeing it as a sovereign country, whereas China sees its neighbors as dwarfs, and doesn't respect them in any way.
In this case at least, I have to agree with you. The strong relations which the Philippines enjoy with the United States was the main reason why China didn't try to invade the disputed South China Sea islands. If the American support is gone, then the Filipinos will be sitting ducks. Duterte must start damage control ASAP.
For me you guys are just narrow minded. You dont know really what is on the mind of the president he is protecting you guys from world war 3 because he knows that the battle field will be in palawan and other asean cointries. So it is very worry from tk have that kind of war after all duterte will always friend of japan. So i do not need to worry.
I agree with you, I'm not a pro Duterte but I like his decision. He is just using his options.