The Philippines' reliance on U.S. investment pledges, particularly related to strategic initiatives, could potentially draw criticism from China. Discussions involve U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs.

“You have absolutely no idea of what you’re talking about. The whole point of Pax Silica is to partner with countries who are good at doing different things because everyone wins from a secure supply chain,” wrote US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg on a social media website in response to an online critic of the US strategic initiative with the Philippines. The spirited exchange came after Manila’s reported rejection of a request to extend diplomatic immunity to US...