Reuters is reporting that a former senior Philippine official is alleging that the Philippines' dictatorial ruler Rodrigo Duterte was assisted by China in his 2016 election victory. In a scenario reminiscent of Russia's assistance to "the former guy" in 2016, the Philippines' former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said a "most reliable international entity" told him that Beijing officials had bragged of influencing the elections to enable Duterte to win. Duterte has been reluctant to criticize China, and has developed closer commercial and foreign policy ties with it.
Duterte, an authoritarian who has unleashed vigilante groups against alleged drug traffickers and more, has been nudging the Philippines gradually from its close relationship with the U.S. in national security matters and in foreign policy. As a counter to China's growing influence in Asia, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue arrangement was formed some years ago between the U.S., Japan, Australia and India (the "Quad"), with New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam participating if the discussion related to them. Under previous Philippine governments, they would have likely been a staunch member. With the Philippines' elections coming up in 2022, we'll see if China tries to tilt the playing field for Duterte, who is term-limited but may seek the vice presidency to maintain control.
(photo: Duterte and China's Xi)
