In a bold declaration amid an ongoing territorial dispute, United States President Barrack Obama had announced that his country would come to the defense of the Philippines in the event of a foreign aggression.
Obama, who ended his Asian tour in the country on Tuesday, cited a mutual defense treaty entered into by the two nations in 1951 that would enable the US to defend the Philippines if attacked.
His visit ended with a warning to China against using military force in the territorial rows with its neighbors. China has ongoing sea conflicts with economic rival Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
It was so far the strongest statement by the US against China regarding the latter's aggressive attitude in dealing with the territorial disputes. With no diplomatic resolution in sight, many fear the South China Sea, thought to harbor huge mineral deposits, could be the next global flashpoint.
Aside from Obama's assurance, the US and the Philippines have also come up with an agreement allowing the US military greater access to Philippine bases, a move many see as a counter measure against China's growing military might.
With the US military installing headquarters in the country, the Philippines has seemed to have gained a momentum in its sea dispute with the giant neighbor. But whether China would soften its hostile approach to the problem remains unclear.
China started showing assertiveness in the South China Sea following the closure of the US military bases in the country 20 years ago. Over the years, the Philippines and other neighboring countries watched helplessly as China took a giant step down south voraciously taking over several islets.
However, the Philippines, having one of the weakest military forces in Southeast Asia, just cannot rely on the US forever. It has to have a military force that would command respect in the region.
While the country is well on its way to become the next tiger economy in Asia, a toothless military force will only make it a useless player in regional affairs.