Manila must rethink defense ties with Washington

China has for six consecutive years been the Philippines' largest trade partner.

That's a good reason for the Philippines to maintain good ties with China, rather than giving in to the nefarious designs of the United States. Two provincial governors, namely those of Cagayan and Isabela provinces, should worry about extending military "cooperation" bases to the US, under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

In an interview with the Philippine-based GMA network, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson claimed that their cooperation would help develop the region's economy, but the fact remains that the Cagayan governor has said before that opening trade with China creates stronger economic development. Isabela province was reportedly "a big charmer" at the China-ASEAN trade expo in 2013 and trade has flourished further over the past 10 years.

Strengthening military cooperation with the US in the two provinces will not only ruin their economic ties with China, it will also hurt the local people's interests. Only the US will profit from pitting two Asian countries against each other. The Philippines will turn out to be the biggest loser by having to take sides.

Some in the Philippines, such as former president Rodrigo Duterte, have questioned the wisdom behind the move. Many senators, think tank scholars and representatives of civil society, too, have raised objections, and asked the government to reconsider its decision in the national interest. We hope Manila will take all these objections into consideration.