That is not the entire history, though. According to preliminary data from the future 2025 Lowy Institute Southeast Asia Aid Map, Chinese disbursements have increased steadily under Marcos compared to his father, though from a small base, as a result of new China Eximbank infrastructure loans, totaling about US$ 200 million thus much, with more potential on the horizon.
This suggests that the Marcos government is now slowly orienting its policy toward a more opportunistic, selective approach: properly accepting Chinese funding when necessary while reversing its position on strategic and security issues.
It’s a line move. The Philippines has fewer options as China asserts itself in the area and the West cuts back on its contribution to international aid.
Manila needs power plants, bridge, and roads in addition to asserting its independence. Development financing decisions are influenced by pragmatism rather than philosophy.
The Philippines ‘ ability to continue moving along this great line: benefiting from China’s development assistance without being constrained by Beijing’s strategic goals. That’s not an easy process. However, it might be the only option left in a region where economic opportunity and political tension are extremely dominant.
Alexandre Dayant is the Lowy Institute’s Indo-Pacific Development Centre’s senior scholar and Deputy Director. Grace Stanhope works at the same institution as a study affiliate. The Lowy Institute’s website, Interpreter, was the first to feature this remark.