China and the Philippines are trying to strengthen ties, which have been battered in recent years by a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is visiting Manila on Saturday, April 22, at a time when Washington is also drawing closer to its traditional ally.
This is the latest evidence that the war of influence between China and the United States is also being waged in the Philippines.Close to the coast of Taiwan, the country enjoys a strategic position in the event of conflict. Americans recently struck an agreement with Manila to use four Philippine military bases, including one near Taiwan.