Philippines’ Interest in BRICS?
Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, the Senate minority leader and a former chair of the foreign relations committee, has made a compelling case for the Philippines to apply for BRICS membership during a recent Senate speech. Pimentel views BRICS as a “viable alternative” to the Western-controlled world order. In his speech, he emphasized the inevitability of a multipolar world, stating, “The march to a multipolar world is inevitable as such is consistent with human nature. We should support the idea of a multipolar world.” He also proposed that the Philippines could serve as a “neutral venue” for talks between countries embroiled in disputes, hosting discussions rather than military bases.
The Context of Senator Pimentel’s Speech
Pimentel’s proposal comes at a time when tensions between the Philippines and China are heightened. Beijing has been patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal, an area Manila believes falls within its exclusive economic zone. This action, involving the CCG 5901, the world’s largest coastguard vessel, has exacerbated tensions. The National Maritime Council of the Philippines strongly protested these patrols, and China responded assertively.
Under former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines strengthened ties with China while relations with the US declined. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., however, is prioritizing US relations and positioning the Philippines as a key player in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy. Marcos has even offered to remove a US missile system, contingent on China’s cessation of what he terms “aggressive and coercive behavior” in the South China Sea.
Public Sentiment and Implications
Opinion on the Philippines joining BRICS is divided. Some Filipinos oppose the idea due to China’s dominant influence within the organization. Others see potential economic benefits beyond the US and Japan. Notably, several countries with strong ties to the US are BRICS members, including India and the UAE, which recently joined the organization. The Philippines could leverage BRICS membership to foster economic relationships with these countries.
BRICS and Regional Dynamics
India, in particular, would welcome the Philippines’ entry into BRICS, aiming to ensure the organization remains diverse rather than becoming dominated by China. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that joining BRICS symbolizes Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy.
Future Prospects
Given the ongoing tensions with China, the immediate prospects for Philippines’ BRICS membership seem uncertain. However, in a rapidly changing global economic landscape, the exploration of alternative alliances and economic opportunities remains crucial. The Philippine government’s interest in BRICS reflects this broader strategic shift and could have significant implications for regional dynamics.
[Photo by kremlin.ru, via Wikimedia Commons]
Tridivesh Singh Maini is a New Delhi-based analyst specializing in Punjab-Punjab linkages and Partition Studies. He co-authored ‘Humanity Amidst Insanity: Hope During and After the Indo-Pak Partition’ (New Delhi: UBSPD, 2008) with Tahir Malik and Ali Farooq Malik. You can reach him at [email protected].
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