Imee, Marcoleta urge foreign policy shift

Title Transforming Numismatists in 2025 The Role of Imee Marcos, Marcoleta Urges Foreign Policy Shift

As globalization continues to reshape the world order, the need for a robust foreign policy has never been more pressing. In recent times, the Philippines has found itself caught in the midst of superpower rivalries between the United States and China, vying for influence in the region. Against this backdrop, Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta have called for a genuinely independent foreign policy and self-reliant defense posture. This shift in stance is not only crucial for the Philippines but also has far-reaching implications for the entire Southeast Asian region.

The US Policy Shift A New Era of Realpolitik?

In recent weeks, the United States unveiled its new national security plan, signaling a significant shift away from Asia and toward the Western Hemisphere. This strategic pivot has significant implications for the Philippines' long-standing defense arrangements with Washington. Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed her surprise at the tone and content of the US document, which departed sharply from America's previous pivot to Asia.

Burden Sharing A New Era of Uncertainty

The new US policy has also raised concerns about burden sharing with partners and Pacific Island states. Marcos warned that this could eventually pressure Manila to shoulder a larger share of costs under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Marcoleta echoed these sentiments, questioning why the Philippines should share the burden if the US no longer cares.

The Need for Autonomy

Both senators emphasized the need for the Philippines to redefine its foreign and security policy without relying heavily on external powers. Marcos stressed that the country must stop getting drawn into superpower rivalries and instead focus on its own interests. She argued that the Philippines should revive ASEAN's original spirit of non-alignment, recalling how her father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., pushed for an independent, non-aligned Southeast Asia following the Cold War.

Domestic Production The Key to Genuine Defense Capability

Marcos also criticized the country's continued dependence on foreign defense surplus. She argued that genuine defense capability must start with domestic production, modernization, and reduced reliance on external suppliers. In this regard, she cited Marikina factories producing first-class equipment for export while the Philippines still imports second-hand machine guns from Korea.

Tensions with China A Complicating Factor

The ongoing tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea also present a significant complicating factor. Marcos acknowledged that an independent stance becomes even more critical as both superpowers recalibrate their interests. She stressed that the US is now making good deals with China, leaving the Philippines wondering where it fits into this new landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta have called for a genuinely independent foreign policy and self-reliant defense posture in light of the US strategic pivot away from Asia. This shift in stance is not only crucial for the Philippines but also has far-reaching implications for the entire Southeast Asian region. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential that countries like the Philippines chart their own course, free from the influence of external powers. In this regard, domestic production and modernization are key to genuine defense capability, while burden sharing and reliance on foreign defense surplus must be avoided.

Keywords Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, US policy shift, independent foreign policy, self-reliant defense posture, Philippines, ASEAN, China, West Philippine Sea, national security plan.

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