China

China continues to play a significant role in the Philippines' economic and security landscape, as seen in the recent upgraded free trade agreement with ASEAN and ongoing concerns over its activities in the South China Sea. The country's economic growth is projected to remain moderate, with AMRO forecasting 4.8% expansion in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026, driven by fiscal stimulus and exports. These developments highlight China's growing influence in the region and its impact on Philippine interests.