Duterte Files Notice to Cancel Visiting Forces Agreement

President Rodrigo Duterte notified the United States of his intent to cancel the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), widely interpreted as a move to accommodate Beijing and register displeasure over a US visa revocation for a Duterte ally. The cancellation triggered the suspension of Balikatan 2020—the largest annual US-Philippines military exercise. Duterte reversed the decision in July 2021 after it became clear China would not reduce its South China Sea assertiveness.