In any case, the shift in sentiment in the Philippines toward its one-time colonizer has been dramatic. In 1991, when the Philippines Senate rejected a proposed treaty governing the U.S. bases, then-Sens. Joseph Estrada and Orlando Mercado were among those voting against it. Months later, the U.S. military abandoned the bases. Today, Estrada is president and Mercado is defense secretary. Both are enthusiastic proponents of renewed military ties with the United States.
Plans are under way for joint exercises early next year.
Just how far the United States will be willing to go to defend its ally is a matter of debate. Outgoing Filipino Ambassador Raul Rabe said in an interview that the United States pledged before the May vote to extend its defense perimeter into the South China Sea. If China is alarmed by the resurrection of the U.S.-Philippines military ties, it is not saying so publicly. This is a blueprint for war on the part of Beijing.