President Biden is set to meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines at the White House on Monday. The visit is intended to signal to China that the Filipino leader plans to strengthen his country’s relationship with the United States. The meeting comes after joint military exercises between the U.S. and Philippine militaries aimed at curbing China’s influence in the South China Sea and enhancing the U.S.’s ability to defend Taiwan if China invades. The Pentagon announced in February that the U.S. military would expand its presence in the Philippines. The Biden administration is seeking to strengthen its relationships with key Asian allies as tensions with China escalate. Last week, President Biden welcomed President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea for a state visit, with discussions largely focused on deterring North Korea’s missile program…
2023-05-01 08:56:06
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