How Ukraine-Philippines alliance can help West counter China, Russia

The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel writes about it. 

The Philippines, vulnerable to Chinese provocations, eagerly anticipated Donald Trump’s presidency, seeing it as an opportunity to bolster its defense capabilities. Trump had promised to strengthen the nation’s position, a vital step for an island nation with a modest military force often in crisis.

The Philippines could become the centerpiece of Asian security processes in the coming years, Resurgam says. This shift may emphasize the Philippines, not Taiwan, as the core of an emerging "Asian NATO," which involves pro-Western allies. The strategy allows Western powers to avoid directly challenging Beijing’s "One China" policy while addressing regional security concerns.

For Ukraine, strengthening ties with the Philippines offers strategic opportunities. First, it prevents Moscow from gaining a foothold in the region. Until 2017, the Philippines had no military ties with Russia, but Moscow has since sought inroads through arms deals, business missions, and energy cooperation. Blocking Russia’s advances would deny it economic and political leverage.

Second, deepening cooperation with the Philippines aligns Ukraine with a key U.S. partner in the region, which could positively influence relations with the Trump administration. Good relations with the Philippines can benefit technological cooperation and even impact U.S.-Ukraine ties, the author notes.

The Philippines, home to thousands of strategically located islands, faces significant risks from China’s naval power. Ukraine’s expertise in asymmetric naval warfare and technological advancements could be valuable to the Philippines, particularly in countering China. Ukraine has relevant developments that could strengthen the Philippines’ defense and food security, analysts suggest.

Additionally, partnerships with the Philippines could complement Ukraine’s cooperation with Taiwan, creating leverage to pressure China to reduce its support for Moscow. “Ukraine's relations with the Philippines and Taiwan could act as tools to deter Beijing’s alignment with Russia,” the author argues.