National Security Philippines major concern for national security is to build a safe and a strong regional neighborhood using

ASEAN. Through this, the country may engage with regional powers such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia in mutually beneficial security dialogues. Also, the country should engage in vibrant relations with countries in the Middle East in resolving the Mindanao problems, Palestinian issues, and global terrorism. According to Timberman, D. (1998) the Philippines' national security is founded ultimately on the nation's economic strength, political unity and social cohesion. Like many other countries--including the United States--the Philippines has redefined its security increasingly in economic terms. To which is true in present day situation wherein larger appropriation of budget is given to military by the Philippine government to increase its security capabilities, especially with the heightening dispute against China. China's claim to the Spratlys chain of islets, reefs, and cays in the South China Sea--which it disputes with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnamseems to hinge on two things: the oil resources the area is believed to contain and China's new military strategy of "forward defense." China's need for new oil fields has become more and more urgent--it became a net importer in 1994and this resource the Spratly Islands are believed to contain in large quantities. The Philippine government sees no substitute for consultations that produce a consensus among the six littoral states claiming portions of the Spratly Islands. Chinese leaders have several times reassured the Philippines that China poses no threat to the

growth and stability of the Asia-Pacific. But the Philippines is still not completely at ease in its bilateral relationship with China. Timberman said that the Beijing's continued encroachments on the South China Sea will surely accelerate security cooperation among the Southeast Asian states and between them and the United States. However, with its members claims as the Philipinnes present situation doesnt show a comprehensive security cooperation between ASEAN states. The U.S. remains as one of only two strategic partners of the Philippines and its only treaty ally. In fact, one of the points discussed in 2+2 meeting is the traty alliance, defense, and security partnership between the two. Territorial dispute with China regarding Spratlys islands should be the concern of all the powers interested in the stability of the South China Sea and its strategic sealanes. Chinese f ishermen had been blatantly destroying biodiversity there by harvesting large volumes of endangered species. This is a gross violation of our Fisheries Code and of the International Convention. Japan, Australia, South Korea, EU, and the United States have taken the position that China and the Philippines should validate their respective claims in accordance with international law including UNCLOS. The Presidents latest state visit to China seperated the West Philippine Sea issue from their trade agreement. But still, the Philippines wants to solve the issue diplomatically.

Economic Security The platform of the President is to lift people up from poverty, expand their choices, and increase the opportunities available to them as well as their capabilities

to respond., through good governance. DFAs role is to undertake a planned program for generating foreign investment, boosting trade, increasing tourism, and enhancing possible official development assistance. Philippines economic ties with ASEAN member, with the Spratlys claimant China, Japan, and the United States promote trade reciprocity between the country and the mentioned states. Since then until today, almost nothing differs on the relationship between Philippines and the mentioned states.

Protecting Filipinos overseas The report boasts the repatriation of over 10,000 Filipinos f rom many countries including Libya, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Iraq, and Japan., and the assistance in the release of nearly 800 seaf arers who have been held hostage by pirates in Somalia. The country promotes better relationship with the United States, not only economically, but also, in safeguarding the citizens of each state on each others territories.

Q2: Provide and discuss a major challenge (only one) that confronts Philippine Foreign Relations today. Elaborate on the reasons why it is insurmountable to begin with. Suggest recommendations on how to arrest the difficulty and confront the challenges it poses to pave the way that foreign relations ought to thread.

Indubitably, the main foreign problem the country is encountering today (even decades ago) is the territorial dispute of Spratly islands against claimant states, specifically China. Simply, Philippines have less economic and military utilities against China in protecting the disputed territory which is closest to our country. Hence, while it seems that, based on international law, we have a better stand point on claiming the islands, we still cannot do it, again, simply because China is much stronger than our country. Our country can solve the issue through diplomacy, with the help of the United Nations. However, China being a permanent member of the Security Council makes things harder