Trump's China Approach Contrasted with Biden's During Marcos Jr.'s White House Visit

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to the White House has brought to light a shift in US foreign policy. This shift is focused on addressing the growing challenges posed by China's increasing assertiveness, as reported by Asia Times.

During the meeting, discussions between President Marcos and President Trump covered bilateral cooperation and regional stability. However, the nature and substance of the talks revealed significant differences when compared to the Biden administration's more direct approach towards Beijing.

Trump's meeting with Marcos did not include any mention of trilateral initiatives involving Japan, which the Biden administration had previously utilized as part of a broader strategy to counter China's regional goals. While Trump briefly acknowledged joint military exercises with the Philippines, he minimized the ongoing maritime tensions with Beijing. These tensions are fueled by China's illegal expansion and militarization in the South China Sea, which violates international law.

According to Asia Times, Trump stated that he did not mind if the Philippines got along with China. Critics argue that this statement dangerously downplays Beijing's aggressive actions, including its routine harassment of Philippine vessels within the country's exclusive economic zone.

When President Marcos alluded to the need to uphold international law against a country aiming to unilaterally change the world order, a clear reference to China, Trump did not respond in kind. Instead, he shifted the focus to economic cooperation, emphasizing Chinese exports of rare earth magnets crucial to US industries.

This relaxed attitude contrasts sharply with President Biden's emphasis on protecting freedom of navigation and resisting China's growing militarization of disputed waters. Under Biden, the US has reinforced its commitment to maritime law and supported Manila in confronting China's coast guard aggression. Trump's reluctance to strongly support Marcos risks encouraging Beijing's revisionist agenda.

When Marcos raised the Philippines' military modernization and the looming threat of China's aggression, Trump steered the conversation to terrorism, highlighting his previous administration's efforts to combat ISIS in the Philippines. Even Manila has acknowledged China's limited assistance in counterterrorism, a strategic move by Beijing to gain favor while expanding its influence.

As Asia Times points out, the Philippines is located close to Taiwan, putting it in a vulnerable position should China invade. Trump's disregard for tensions in the Taiwan Strait and vague comments about an "ammunition hub" in Subic fail to address the seriousness of China's threat.

With Beijing continuing to violate sovereignty and undermine norms across the Indo-Pacific, downplaying the stakes is a risky approach. A realistic US policy must not mistake appeasement for pragmatism.