#Philippines-US relations

[anexperimentallife]

My head hurts

Just like I said would happen if the orange shitgibbon got into the White House again, China--emboldened by the shitgibbon regime's incompetence--looks ready to launch an invasion of Taiwan in 2025 or 2026, which will pull in the US and make the Philippines once again a major strategic location. The US has already moved more troops here in preparation, and the Philippines military is preparing for conflict, as well.

Damn it, the Philippines WAS (and still is, FOR NOW) a safe option to escape the US, but who knows how much longer that'll be the case?

Of course, the shitgibbon's emphasis on military action on the Mexican border complicates and deprecates the US ability to respond quickly. The regime's chaotic and lawless approach to everything (including defiance of the courts, and the back and forth of official policy positions) fucks EVERYTHING, tbh.

As usual (but even more blatantly), the US is intentionally creating economic hardship and decreasing access to health care in order to force more people into the military out of desperation--hence his requested trillion-dollar military budget.

On one hand, an end to US hegemony could be a net positive for the world (but there will be a LOT of death and suffering in the collapse, and no one expected the US to be the one to forcibly end US hegemony), but only if China (already overtaking the US economically) takes a gentler approach to its upcoming dominance than the US has. Signs are not promising, though--their economic "Belts and Roads" initiative for developing countries shows obvious military ambitions in design and location.

Gods, I hate the very concept of global superpowers. All they do is fuck with every nation in the world to enrich their ruling class and make themselves as powerful as possible.

[couldpolyamorysavethem]

Re: character name meaning plastic bag:

May I ask what language you speak cause that’s so funny

Ah, so this is how the polyamory mod gets outed as swagapino...

[kulay-ng-banaag]

Piri’s bosses would request him to watch over their kids (read: babysit) from time to time. It’s not everyone if only because the children of a good handful of them were actually grown up and very much capable of managing themselves at the time of assuming the presidency. Without naming names, he only did so for 5 presidents (one of them, very unfortunately).

The only certainty I will give is that Piri hasn’t played babysitter in decades because (1) the kids were all grown up, self-sufficient adults by the time a boss came into power, (2) one boss never had kids, (3) Piri conveniently reassigned himself to other duties, arguing that they sorely lacked attention and there's already so much on his higher-ups' plates (even if at the end of the day, neither of them get much done for different reasons).

[ritahayworrth]

i know i'm in a low place when i think about selling my soul and getting a business degree

[maya-chirps]

I think there's something inherently dehumanizing when big world powers only see your country as a mouthpiece or a puppet of their political enemy and refuse to give any ounce of nuance for the people within that country, only seeing them as drones or propagandized idiots who had been duped to attack them.

[firstoccupier]

Tensions Rise Again in the West Philippine Sea

In an urgent commentary, Dindo Manhit stated, “No to silence, submission, subservience,” in his April 12, 2024 article. He highlighted China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Water cannons and bullying tactics were putting pressure on the Philippines. He argued that the country must stand strong against these threats. His words rang true as the region became a focal point for…

[newsliveindia]

India’s Possible Entry into ‘Squad’ Alliance to Strengthen South China Sea Security

India May Join Strategic Military Alliance Against China’s Influence

India is considering joining the emerging ‘Squad’ military alliance, which includes the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. This coalition is designed to counter China’s expanding dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly focusing on security in the South China Sea.

The alliance aims to bolster regional defense capabilities through intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and coordinated operations among its member nations.

Philippines Backs India’s Inclusion in the Squad

Although the Squad is an informal alliance, its member countries have already been conducting joint maritime operations within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea since last year.

The Philippines has been a strong proponent of India’s inclusion, citing New Delhi as a key partner in countering China’s aggressive expansion in the region.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Philippines Armed Forces Chief General Romeo S. Brawner expressed a strong alignment of interests between India and the Philippines. He stated:

“Alongside Japan and our other allies, we are looking to expand the Squad to include India and possibly South Korea. India and the Philippines share a common concern—China’s influence. I am not afraid to say that China is our common adversary.”

China’s Aggressive Claims in the South China Sea

China claims almost complete control over the South China Sea, a vital global trade route worth over $3 trillion annually. However, these claims violate the sovereignty of multiple nations, including:

Philippines

Indonesia

Malaysia

Vietnam

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China’s claims, but Beijing has continued to ignore the ruling while increasing its military presence in the region.

India’s Role in Quad and Potential Squad Alliance

India’s possible integration into the Squad aligns with its existing role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)—a security alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia focused on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and countering China’s strategic expansion.

With tensions rising in the South China Sea, India’s inclusion in the Squad alliance would further strengthen its regional security commitments and expand its strategic influence.

Philippines Expanding Military Ties with India

The Philippines is deepening its defense cooperation with India, particularly in missile technology.

The Philippines has already acquired the BrahMos missile system from India.

Additional components of the BrahMos system are scheduled for delivery.

General Brawner praised the missile system’s effectiveness, emphasizing its importance in deterring Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

As geopolitical tensions escalate, India’s participation in the Squad could redefine the regional power balance, reinforcing efforts to curb China’s military expansion and secure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

[soup-mother]

it's kinda weird and very telling how often sex tourism and racism goes completely unmentioned in discussions about chasers.

like there's a strong idea of what a chaser is to white girls in rich countries but like....you go on literally any given chaser forum and it's guys talking about how much they love visiting south east asia.... or about bringing girls from south east asia over to the US, or targeting girls from south east asia in the US. the racialised element and how it relates to imperialism goes really jarringly unmentioned.

I mean just fucking look at what US soldiers keep fucking doing and getting away with! that's not "less important" because it's happening to girls in the Philippines or Thailand instead of Sydney or New York.

[trendynewsnow]

Turbulence in Philippine Politics: The Rift Between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Turbulence in Philippine Politics: The Fallout Between Sara Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sara Duterte, the Vice President of the Philippines, has reached her breaking point. Accusations of corruption levied against her in Congress have led her to believe that these attacks are part of a larger scheme orchestrated by her boss, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In a dramatic turn of events, she…

[ricisidro]

Manila gets tough in the South China Sea as a showdown looms via @japantimes

#Philippines #China #PLA #SouthChinaSea #WestPhilippineSea

#SpratlyIslands #PagasaIsland #ThituIsland #KalayaanIslands #ScarboroughShoal #BajoDeMasinloc #SecondThomasshoal #RenaiReef #US #Australia #Japan #military US-PH #MutualDefenseTreaty #geopolitics #diplomacy #ForeignAffairs #ForeignRelations #InternationalAffairs #InternationalRelations

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/01/21/asia-pacific/politics/philippines-south-china-sea/

[rhk111sblog]

“Defending our Territory” DAW, and yet absolutely refusing to say anything about SABAH? ‘Pinapunta pa nga niya ang Prime Minister ng Malaysia dito sa Pilipinas, tapos ang TAHIMIK niya’ (He even invited the Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) of Malaysia to visit the Philippines, and he was very QUIET about Sabah the entire time of the Minister’s visit)

It seems that the orders of the United States (US) is the Philippines to FIGHT China, but not Malaysia over Sabah, or Taiwan over Itu Aba, and that is what Weakling Junior seems to be doing right now, being a good Doggie …

[kulay-ng-banaag]

One look at Geopolitics Boys ch. 62 and that's how I knew not to trust the mangaka.

[herpsandbirds]

Philippine Frogmouth (Batrachostomus septimus), family Podargidae, order Podargiformes, Philippines

The frogmouths used to be included in the Nightjar/Goatsucker order Caprimulgiformes. As of 2019, they are in their own order.

Frogmouths are not as closely related to nightjars, as previously thought.

photograph by Gid Ferrer