Philippines watching US presidential race closely, seeks stronger ties, envoy says

MANILA: The Philippines is closely watching the US presidential race but would view any change in leadership as an opportunity to renew the strengthening alliance between the two countries, Manila's longtime envoy to Washington said on Thursday.
Security engagements between the defence treaty allies have stepped up considerably under US President Joe Biden and Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with both leaders keen to counter what they see as China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

The Philippines, a former US colony, is Washington's closest ally in Southeast Asia and its proximity to Taiwan makes it crucial to US efforts to counter a potential invasion by China of the democratic island it views as its own territory.
"The only challenge that we face, especially for us in the embassy in Washington DC, is what happens in November. It's a concern for every country who would be the next president ... everybody is preparing for that," Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told Reuters in a video interview.

Biden is likely to face Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner to be the party's presidential candidate, in a rematch in November's presidential election.
"Any change is always something that we welcome," Romualdez added.
"It gives us an opportunity to renew what we've already been saying, that our relationship with the United States is an important one, we value it, and we really hope that this is the same feeling that they have for us."

Expanded exercises
Under Marcos, the Philippines nearly doubled the number of its bases accessible to US forces, including three new sites facing Taiwan, as it shifts its focus to territorial defence.
Military exercises have taken place regularly for decades, but manoeuvres have extended lately to include joint air and sea patrols over the South China Sea and close to Taiwan, actions China has seen as provocations and "stirring up trouble".
Beijing's ties with Manila have soured amid repeated spats over disputed features in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, during which China's coastguard has used water cannon to drive away Philippine vessels, disrupting fishing and resupply missions to