US-Philippines alliance back on track as Duterte's China charm offensive crumbles

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In many ways, this is the story of the US-Philippines alliance which, following a few turbulent years of diplomatic acrimony, is rapidly returning to form. Five years ago, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to end his country's century-old alliance with Washington. Amid diplomatic rows over human rights issues, he even cussed at then US president Barack Obama. But Duterte has entered his twilight months in office with a radically different tone and strategic predisposition. He openly thanked US President Joe Biden for pandemic-related help, restored the all-important Visiting Forces Agreement…