In January this year, Philippines Inc., led by its chairman Tonyboy Cojuangco, initiated a proposal to establish a US-Philippines Strategic Initiative (USPSI) program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in partnership with Stratbase ADR Institute. This program was officially launched in May in Washington D.C. with no less than Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and former US Senator William Cohen presenting the said program to key officials of the US government and other US-based think tanks. I first met Cohen — who also served as US Defense Secretary under President Bill Clinton — when he visited Malacañang during the time of President Joseph Estrada.
The goal of the USPSI is to enlighten and educate constituencies in the US including its executive and legislative branches, the Philippines, the IndoPacific as well as policy, business, academic, civil society and media communities. An underlying aim is to strengthen US-Philippines partnerships and relations by seeking alignment in strategic thinking and related policies.
Last Dec. 9, the USPSI was launched in Manila at the residence of Philippines Inc. member Felix Ang with former Pacific Command chief Admiral Sam Locklear, former CIA China station chief Chris Johnson and CSIS deputy director Murray Hiebert flying in for the occasion. Locklear gave a briefing on the current situation at the West Philippine Sea plus an overview of America’s plan in assisting the country. Johnson, for his part, gave a briefing about China’s mindset behind its territorial claims and reclamation activities over portions of the West Philippine Sea.
Among the areas of concern for the USPSI include the approval of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) by the Supreme Court, which could go a long way in strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and the US.
Philippines Inc. believes USPSI will give the country a strong stakeholder relationship with CSIS, of the most respected nonpartisan think tanks the world over. The CSIS’ Southeast Asian Studies is headed by Ernie Bower, a constant supporter of Philippines Inc.