Story perspectives

Colby Urges Allies, Praises Philippines Amid Rising Tensions

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy, urged allies to boost defense spending, saying Washington seeks partners, not protectorates.
Colby praised the Philippines for strengthening its military and coast guard and expanding U.S. cooperation.
Song Zhongping, a Chinese analyst, told the Global Times the U.S. is letting allies hold the frontline, warning that rising China-Philippines tensions could force the Philippines to bear costs with U.S. support.

History

Historical Context

After the Philippine Senate rejected the 1991 Treaty of Friendship and President Corazon Aquino ordered the U.S. to leave, the last 1,416 sailors and Marines departed Subic Bay on 24 November 1992, ending a presence, creating an $8 billion gap, and converting the site into the Subic Bay Freeport under Richard Gordon; Elbridge Colby’s 2024 appeal for allies to fund defenses mirrors that 1992 shift as Manila faces China.

1 of 2

Story summary

Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy, urged allies to boost defense spending, saying Washington seeks partners, not protectorates.
Colby praised the Philippines for strengthening its military and coast guard and expanding U.S. cooperation.
Song Zhongping, a Chinese analyst, told the Global Times the U.S. is letting allies hold the frontline, warning that rising China-Philippines tensions could force the Philippines to bear costs with U.S. support.

1 / 2