The Influence of Domestic Politics on Philippine Foreign Policy

The Case of Philippines-China Relations since 2004

This paper explores the role of domestic politics in the shaping and implementing of Philippine foreign policy and its relations with China. It examines how domestic politics have driven Philippine foreign policy behavior towards China; whether the Philippine Government has successfully managed the domestic drivers in promoting the state’s interests in its relations with China, and whether there are major constraints that have prevented the attainment of more desirable outcomes in the bilateral ties. The paper looks at three cases: the Philippines-China joint marine seismic undertaking in the South China Sea; China’s participation in the national broadband network project and a railway project; and Philippine reactions to China’s execution of three Filipino drug mules.

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