A new perspective and outlook for PH-US relations

The unprecedented “lightning in a bottle” victory achieved by Donald Trump in the US presidential election on Tuesday introduces a new perspective on Philippine-American relations because of a change in lead players. It consequently augurs a fresh outlook in this strategic and vital trans-Pacific relationship, and new talks to advance and strengthen relations on several fronts.

President-elect Donald Trump will redefine according to his best lights America’s interest in the Asia-Pacific, just as President Duterte has striven to carve an independent foreign policy for the Philippines. Between their respective objectives, they should be able to find common ground and shared interests.