That Ship Has Sailed: China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Marcos Administration

Abstract

What are the prospects for the Belt and Road (BRI) in the Philippines? How will Marcos’ foreign policy impact BRI projects in the country? The authors argue that the BRI’s prospects are less optimistic now because (i) the Philippines’ experience with Chinese infrastructure projects during Duterte’s time was not overwhelmingly positive and (ii) China continues to occupy the West Philippine Sea. China’s BRI missed its chance of capitalising on the political climate during the Duterte administration.