It was a deft tiptoeing act US President Barack Obama put on when he visited here last April 28-29. He segued from being non-committal about defending the Philippines to pledging “ironclad” support.
Before coming to Manila, Obama had gone to Japan as the first stop of his recent four-nation tour. In Tokyo, Mr. Obama was unequivocal, he pledged that the United States would “defend” Japan from any foreign attack.
And so the Filipinos expected the same language when he got here amid the current belligerent state of the Philippines’ relations with China over the two countries’ dispute over the West Philippine Sea.
But no, Obama traipsed around the issue, saying instead that “Our goal is not to counter China; our goal is not to contain China…. Our goal is to make sure that international rules and norms are respected, and that includes in the area of maritime disputes.”
The vague nature of Obama’s declaration caused disappointment among Filipino observers, particularly America-haters. “See,” they said, “the United States will not come to our defense in case of a war with China!”
It was a reasonable reaction.
Obama declared unequivocally in Tokyo that his country will defend Japan, and that the US’ “commitment to Japan’s security is absolute.” And yet he didn’t say the same in Manila. And the Philippines is supposed to be America’s oldest ally in Asia. Why the disparity in the pronouncements?
First of all, we have to admit, the Philippines is not Japan. Japan has just lost its No. 3 ranking in the global economy to India. But still, as the fourth largest economy in the world, Japan continues to be a major player on the global scene and that explains the US’ continuing high estimation of that country.
Compared to Japan, the Philippines is an inconsequential player on the global stage. Economically, the Philippines is a non-factor among the world’s economic powers. And if it weren’t for the Philippines’ strategic location in the Pacific sea lanes, it wouldn’t even be considered a factor in the geopolitical alliances today.
Still, the Philippines is an American ally, albeit an unequal one in the two countries’ bilateral links. Relations between a superpower and a small and poor country will always be unequal. The stronger nation’s interests will always take precedence over the weaker partner’s.
That’s reality, and it’s something we Filipinos have to accept. The strong nations enter into alliances with other countries not out of altruism but to preserve and enhance their own interests. If tokens and gestures of generosity and magnanimity are given in the course of such relationships, then that’s just bonus.
In any case, the disappointed voices must have been heard at the US embassy. Diplomats are supposed to be adept at reading the thinking of their hosts and the pulse of their people. Emergency repair work needed to be done.
And so, on the second and last day of Obama in Manila, the message underwent an alteration aimed at pleasing the populace. After all, these are America’s greatest admirers and friends.
On that second day, Obama spoke before American and Filipino troops and veterans. Listen to Mr. Obama: “Our commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad and the United States will keep that commitment because allies never stand alone.” It was a change he had already made the night before at the state dinner tendered in Obama’s honor by President Benigno Aquino.
Whoa, what a change! Just the day before Obama was non-committal. But his consuls heard the grumbling among the Filipinos and altered their boss’ message.
And so, before leaving Manila, Obama reminded all that the United States and the Philippines had pledged under their Mutual Defense Treaty that both nations would help defend each other “against external armed attacks, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone.”
So there, the art of diplomacy at work. Realizing that their president had disappointed the Filipinos with a weak statement, the embassy people moved to put muscle to Obama’s previous statement. And they succeeded in muting the voices of protest over Obama’s non-committal stance the day before.
That was damage control on the fly. The Americans were quick to realize that their host people were unhappy and altered their president’s message to contain the damage.
Of course we will not know if America will keep its word to defend us until another country (China’s is on everyone’s mind these days) mounts some kind of an attack against us. Such mutual defense pacts are wrapped in irony. Like an insurance policy, it’s something we buy but hope to never have to use.
***