Abstract:
The Philippines and North Korea have established diplomatic relations on July 12, 2000, though trade has been non-existent. The Philippines is considered as one of the closest allies of the United States and having stronger relations with North Korea whom the United States has an antagonistic relationship with may have a big effect on the Philippines’ ties with the United States. This study looks to inquire whether or not the Philippines foreign policy towards North Korea is directed or determined by the US. This also looks into the advantages and disadvantages of the Philippines’ relations with the US and the current relations of the Philippines and North Korea and the possible relations both may have in the future. This study used a qualitative design for research which aims to present data gathered from primary sources in a descriptive way and analysed with the help of foreign relations and policy experts. The Philippines is regarded as a colony of the US and almost everything it does is connected to the US in collaboration with the local elite to serve their own interests. The US demonizes North Korea and therefore hinders the Philippines from having stronger relations with North Korea because of the negative perception and misinformation that can be attributed to the Cold War Era. Stronger relations is deemed impossible if the current strong relations with the US will remain. The Philippines should have an independent foreign policy that will cater to its own interests. Stronger relations with North Korea will benefit both countries but information about it needs to be widened. Having friendly relations with everyone is imperative for a nation’s growth and that the Philippines must be able to stand on its own and stop being too dependent to the United States.
