Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

Recently,MKsports a proposal by a Philippine senator for Manila to apply for BRICS membership has sparked debate, with opponents expressing concern that such a move could "alienate the US without yielding clear benefits." However, this fear highlights the dilemma of the current Philippine government's pro-US policy: Excessive reliance on the US has not only constrained its strategic options but also caused it to miss out on significant opportunities in the era of multipolarity.

As reported by the South China Morning Post on Monday, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, the Senate minority leader and a former chair of the foreign relations committee, urged the Philippines to apply for BRICS membership last week. "The march to a multipolar world is inevitable as such is consistent with human nature," said Pimentel, who argued that joining BRICS would help the Philippines "embrace a balanced foreign policy."

The underlying logic behind this proposal is straightforward: In the emerging multipolar world, does the Philippines have a distinct place, or will it continue to serve as a pawn for other countries?

Since the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration came to power, the Philippines has increasingly acted as a front line in the US "Indo-Pacific Strategy" in exchange for so-called security commitment from the US. However, the actual effect of this pro-US policy has been counterproductive. 

In January this year, nine countries, including Thailand and Malaysia, officially became BRICS partners, and shortly after, Indonesia was officially admitted as a full member, marking closer integration between BRICS and ASEAN. Closer ties with BRICS would allow the Philippines to participate more deeply in global economic governance and benefit from the development dividends of emerging markets. However, the Philippines appears to be a "laggard" in this trend and has not seized this opportunity. 

The Philippines' pro-US stance has not only caused it to miss development opportunities but has also undermined its strategic autonomy, reducing its flexibility and independence in international affairs. For example, regarding the South China Sea issue, under US instigation, the Philippines adopted a confrontational strategy, leading to strained relations with China. However, this approach has not benefited the Philippines and has instead dragged it into a geopolitical quagmire. In contrast, ASEAN countries like Malaysia have taken a more dialogical and cooperative approach to the South China Sea issue, balancing their own interests while maintaining regional stability.

In response to calls for the Philippines to join BRICS, some opponents claimed that closer ties between ASEAN countries and BRICS could "weaken ASEAN's ability to serve as a neutral mediator in regional disputes." This absurd view was debunked by Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at the Guangxi Minzu University, who said it overlooks the numerous opportunities that the BRICS mechanism offers to ASEAN. ASEAN countries' active pursuit of BRICS membership reflects their recognition of a multipolar order, and they see it as a vital way to enhance regional influence and access greater development opportunities, the expert noted.

Some critics are also concerned that joining BRICS could "alienate" the Philippines' key defense ally, the US. Matteo Piasentini, a lecturer in international relations at the University of the Philippines, warned that joining BRICS might "prove counterproductive due to the US probably growing dissatisfied with other countries' multi-alignment and hedging." So, does this view suggest that Manila should trap itself and eternally serve as a tool in US geopolitical game in order to "satisfy" the US? 

For years, the US has viewed the Philippines as an essential pawn in its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" under the guise of so-called security alliance and shared commitments. This relationship is not based on mutual benefit but rather on the US' unilateral strategic interests. In light of the dilemma caused by its pro-US stance, the Philippines needs to learn from the balanced strategies of countries like Malaysia. Minimizing bloc confrontations, repairing relations with China and engaging in pragmatic economic diplomacy are not only the Philippines' way out of its strategic predicament but also the key to its diversified development. Only by breaking free from excessive dependence on the US can the Philippines find its place in a multipolar world and maximize its national interests.