By saying US‘ “commitment” to the defense of the Philippines was “ironclad,” US President Joe Biden is drawing a new small clique with the Southeast Asian country to contain China. This despite Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr repeatedly stating an unwillingness to be involved in the competition between China and the US, the Philippines has been locked up by the US’ anti-China fleet, analysts said, warning of heightened tensions in the region due to US’ destructive Asia-Pacific policy.