Marcos Jr. seeks to strengthen ties with US during visit.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's visit to the White House to meet with US President Joe Biden has sparked protests from Filipino progressive groups who are concerned about the US reaffirming the Philippines as its "military outpost" in Asia. The visit comes as the Philippines steers closer to the US and away from China, which is the country's top trading partner. The US and China are competing for influence and control over maritime trade routes, fishing grounds, offshore mineral and gas resources, and military dominance in the region. Marcos Jr's ability to navigate the increasing rivalry between the two powers will be tested as he seeks to maintain a cordial relationship with both.