Our Man in Manila.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also known as "Bongbong," has realigned the Philippines with the United States. Marcos Jr., who favors a closer relationship with the U.S. and a more distant one with China, has been a prominent figure in Philippine politics for decades. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, pursued an independent foreign policy and criticized the U.S., but even he began to take China's actions in the South China Sea personally. Marcos Jr. has sought warmer relations with Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and has agreed to joint South China Sea patrols with the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. He also supports the U.S. position that Taiwan should not be part of the People's Republic. The Philippines' location is important due to its proximity to Taiwan and China, as well as critical waterways. The Philippines wants support in keeping China away from its claimed waters and financial aid for natural disasters, while the U.S. has secured more military bases in the Philippines. Marcos Jr.'s time as president is limited to one six-year term, but it is hoped that he can set the Philippines back on the American-led path for peace in the region. [Extracted from the article]