The Philippines ‘ ambassador to Washington, who is also aware of the US-Ukraine relationship’s breakdown, said on Monday ( Mar 3 ) that he was” confident” that the two nations ‘ military ties would continue to be strong under the Donald Trump administration.
In spite of a Hague decision that its claim has no foundation, Beijing claims in almost all of its remainder that the Philippines and China have been involved in increasingly anxious fighting over islands and lakes in the South China Sea.
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez cited a$ 336 million deduction granted amid a freeze on international spending as evidence that he still believed the US would continue providing military aid in the contested lake.
He told international reporters in Manila,” I think all of that will be, I am convinced that it will.”
Romualdez claimed that Trump’s strategy was that of a business looking to make investments in nations that he thought might be useful partners.
” We’re not there to ask for money, and that’s it.” We’re asking for money because we want to be a part of a relationship, he said, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos wanted a face-to-face conference with Trump as soon as possible.
Romualdez pointed to a US$ 2.5 billion bill currently being considered by the US Congress and claimed that it had powerful republican support.
The former diplomat even raised the possibility of purchasing American-made liquid natural gas, claiming it had been discussed with Arctic Senator Dan Sullivan.
” Many of our energy needs may use LNG as an alternative energy supply. So that’s one of the many issues we’re trying to put up as part of our “give it” strategy, if you want to call it that, he said.
When asked how the conflict between the United States and its Western allies may alter the Philippines, Romualdez said the West was still on the same page regarding the South China Sea.
He said,” What is happening in the European theater is different from what is happening below.” He claimed that” the interests of other countries in our region of the world remain the same.”
The South China Sea is a region where billions of dollars are flown, and it is obvious that no one nation wants to rule it.
But, Romualdez, Marcos ‘ cousin, said that Ukraine” will keep many of us awake because it could very well affect our part of the world.”
Trump blasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday in the White House, heighteneding concerns that he intends to compel Kyiv into a peace agreement in favor of Russia.
Romualdez argued that the only thing left to wish for is a simply and lasting peace.
” Probably it will be good, particularly for Ukraine, which is the victim, so to speak,” he said.
Trump’s “purse” goal of attempting to achieve peace is commendable. We must keep an eye on how we get there.