Duterte successor candidates adjust their China policies
The next Philippines president will come under tremendous pressure to adopt calibrated assertiveness on South China Sea disputes, but also a measure of geopolitical pragmatism in relations with China.
Relations between China and the Philippines, a United States treaty ally, during the five years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s rule have been described by some diplomats as a “golden age” for the two countries.
But in his twilight months in office ahead of the May 2022 presidential elections, the Filipino leader – who is constitutionally confined to a single six-year term in office – has adopted a dramatically divergent tone on his powerful neighbour.
