“China is getting more aggressive, and the Philippine navy wouldn’t last minutes in a fight with them”
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China would be the least of my worries here.
They have no more motive to expand their dominance to the Philippines, then any other country close to them.
They have all they can do manufacturing and selling their goods here and everywhere else in the world.
Just today I was reading about their Apple factory, making Ipads and other Apple products.
It is a city in itself, employing over 200,000 workers.
Just in the news last night there was mention of the US asking to station some ships here.
“They have no more motive to expand their dominance to the Philippines ... Just in the news last night there was mention of the US asking to station some ships here.”
Motive... the new business class, no. There is a segment of their economy that wants only to sell us stuff, and they have no ambitions for taking territories.
Their military leadership is another matter. They are schooled in the idea that China’s destiny is to rule Asia, and eventually to become the premier power in the world. Some of the things their generals have said publicly are quite frightening.
There is a struggle between the two factions within their government. The business class wants peace and profits; the military class is — long-term — preparing for war. That is the reason the US is increasing our presence in the Pacific.
Right now China does not have a navy capable of large-scale conflicts, but they are rapidly building that capability. Ten or twenty years from now, they may have the power to be able to reach out to their neighbors.
Sorry for the bad news. I’m sure you like your new life: tropical island, beaches, warm breeze, Asian food... Got a spare room? :)
Be safe!