The Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) issued a public warning on Friday, May 2, against what it describes as increasing signs of a possible U.S.-led proxy war unfolding in the Philippines. The statement was delivered during a media forum streamed live on Facebook and YouTube, hosted by Daniel Long and featuring ACPSSI President Herman “Ka Mentong” Tiu Laurel and Vice President for Internal Affairs Ka Ado Paglinawan.
Laurel said recent events in the country and abroad have been “intense and significant,” pointing to growing geopolitical tensions in the region and concerns over U.S. influence in Philippine foreign and defense policy. He emphasized that the ACPSSI is actively working to prevent the Philippines from becoming a battleground for great power rivalry, particularly between the United States and China.
The media forum also highlighted the Philippines-China Youth Exchange Program held from April 22–26, 2025, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Long, who joined 29 other Filipino students and professionals in the exchange, noted the cultural depth and historical ties between the two countries, emphasizing that these are not accurately reflected in current tensions.
Participants in the program visited significant cultural and commercial landmarks in China, including SM Xiamen, founded by Filipino-Chinese tycoon Henry Sy, Sr., and Rizal Park in Jinjiang City—an eight-hectare park commemorating national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Delegates shared personal insights about language barriers, mutual perceptions, and newfound appreciation for Chinese hospitality and openness.
In his remarks, Paglinawan sharply criticized the recent actions of U.S. and Philippine security officials, including comments from Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Vincent Trinidad about potential military escalation in the West Philippine Sea. Paglinawan warned that such rhetoric could be construed as a declaration of war, violating both the Philippine Constitution and international conventions.
He questioned the legitimacy of current territorial claims and policies based on what he called a “rules-based order” allegedly being manipulated by U.S. interests. “There is no Code of Conduct on the West Philippine Sea at the level of a treaty or convention,” Paglinawan said, adding that the U.S.—a non-signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—continues to exert disproportionate influence.
Laurel and Paglinawan both argued that current policy decisions are being shaped not by the Filipino people, but by foreign influence, particularly from the United States. Laurel cited “Project Myoshu,” a U.S. strategic military concept, and “Operation Horus,” a reported internal plan to marginalize the Duterte political camp, as examples of alleged foreign-backed maneuvers to redirect Philippine sovereignty.
They further alleged that economic data—such as rising poverty levels reported by the Social Weather Stations (SWS)—reflects growing internal instability linked to these geopolitical pressures.
“The Philippines has been, since the 2011 announcement of the Obama ‘Pivot to Asia,’ the focus of extreme U.S. efforts to control and contain China,” Laurel said. “We are not anti-U.S., but there are clear problems with the U.S. agenda today.”
He also pointed to warning statements from China, including remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry cautioning that “those who play with fire will perish.” Despite rising tension, Laurel insisted that “China will never threaten the Filipino people,” and reiterated ACPSSI’s commitment to avoiding a U.S.-led proxy war.
The forum concluded with a call for greater awareness of foreign policy implications and a reaffirmation of independent, non-aligned diplomatic strategy—urging ASEAN cooperation and peaceful development over military entanglement.#
