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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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The Master Chess Players in the Asia-Pacific: China-US-Phillippines Relations

Author

Term

4. term

Publication year

2018

Abstract

Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan Filippinernes nylige udenrigspolitiske kurs under præsident Duterte påvirker relationerne til Kina og USA i Asien-Stillehavet. Med et kvalitativt casestudie og teorier fra international politik—offensiv realisme, magtovergangsteori og Buzans nuancerede syn på Kinas opstigning—kortlægges den regionale kontekst, Scarborough Shoal-konflikten og de skridt, som begge stormagter har taget for at forme den sikkerhedspolitiske orden. Analysen belyser, hvordan Manilas historiske alliance med Washington og voksende økonomiske engagement med Beijing flettes sammen, og vurderer risiciene ved at søge fordele fra begge parter uden en tydelig tilpasning. Undersøgelsen af kinesisk-ameranske relationer peger på en kombination af konkurrence og samarbejde præget af overlappende interesser og begrænset tillid. Anvendt på Filippinerne antyder et realistisk perspektiv, at Dutertes pragmatiske balancering prioriterer statens interesser, men kan være svær for både Beijing og Washington at acceptere på længere sigt.

This thesis examines how the Philippines’ recent foreign policy shift under President Duterte affects relations with China and the United States in the Asia-Pacific. Using a qualitative case study and international relations theories—offensive realism, power transition theory, and Buzan’s nuanced view of China’s rise—the study maps the regional context, the Scarborough Shoal dispute, and steps taken by both major powers to shape the security order. It analyzes how Manila’s historical alliance with Washington and growing economic engagement with Beijing intersect, and assesses the risks of seeking benefits from both sides without a clear alignment. The analysis of Sino-American ties finds a mix of competition and cooperation rooted in overlapping interests and limited trust. Applied to the Philippine case, a realist lens suggests Duterte’s pragmatic balancing prioritizes national interests but may be difficult for both Beijing and Washington to accept over the long term.

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