Protesters in Manila burned an effigy of US President Donald Trump on Saturday ahead of his arrival for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit. The demonstration took place at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman in Quezon City. The act of burning the effigy was intended to express opposition to the US-led Pax Silica initiative, a policy framework aimed at strengthening economic ties between the US and Southeast Asian nations.
The protest comes as the Philippines prepares to host Trump, who is expected to attend the Asean Summit. The summit, scheduled to take place in the coming days, will bring together leaders from across the region to discuss economic cooperation and regional security. Despite the tensions, the Philippines remains a key US ally in the Indo-Pacific, with ongoing discussions on trade and defense matters.
The Pax Silica initiative, which Trump has promoted as a way to counter China’s growing influence, has drawn criticism from some Philippine officials and civil society groups. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of US trade policies on local industries. Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to navigate complex diplomatic relationships, balancing its alliance with the US against its strategic interests in the region. The upcoming summit represents a critical moment in this delicate balancing act.
