President Duterte's Foreign Policy Challenges

摘要: On 30 June 2016, Rodrigo Duterte took office as the 16th president of Asia's oldest republic. Duterte's political experience covers over two decades mayor Davao City--the third most populous city in Philippines--several years assistant prosecutor and three a congressman. However, none these positions can be considered adequate preparation to deal with challenges country now faces its foreign relations. His predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, pursued proactive policy, centrepiece which was promotion Philippines' maritime interests sovereign rights South China Sea. responding China's growing assertiveness disputed waters, particularly stationing coast guard vessels at Scarborough Shoal, rocky outcrop there tense standoff between countries 2012 resulted seizure shoal. Filipino fishermen were subsequently denied access valuable fishing grounds around Shoal. Aquino, his Secretary Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, mounted major challenge by filing case Permanent Court Arbitration (PCA) The Hague. legal submission sought affirmation Manila's claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ), thereby invalidating expansive but unclarified claims indicated so-called nine-dash line appears on official Chinese maps. arbitration panel established PCA delivered ruling July 12, barely weeks into administration, it largely favour, great consternation. What had started left for pursue. In addition this manoeuvre, campaign draw international support it, greater involvement United States through an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that allows rotational presence US troops construction facilities selected Philippine defence facilities. Not surprisingly, has said will reject any from panel--whose jurisdiction refuses accept--and accused (and other such Japan) "meddling" dispute. This leaves President policy challenges: how manage relations China, been announced; defining what role security alliance should play next chapter unfolds Sea As candidate trail, initial statements issues peppered hyperbole, provided early indications preference more open pragmatic approach towards China. "I talk candidly than Americans", he said. (1) remarked engaging bilateral negotiations, pursuing joint development resources, would downplay sovereignty question if also stopped insisting sovereignty. (2) It appeared considering practical approach, one allow developing economy. hand, mistrust is have arisen 2002 incident when mayor, authorities spirited away American undercover agent local police tried investigate suspicious explosion man's hotel room. wariness about may partly relate why leftists former communists among close associates, although they are part wide spectrum supporters. resistance intervention due own instinctively independent leadership style, recently criticized not only Australia UN officials issued unfavourable responses some off-colour utterances. …