For more analysis, we are now joined by our guest Mr Jia Xiudong, senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.

Q1. Recent remarks and moves by Manila have been described by the Philippine government as the dedication to pursue an independent foreign policy. What does the government really mean by this?

Q2. For more than a century the Philippines has been an important part of the US defense strategy as a "major non-NATO ally". Obama's final term is coming to an end -  in what direction is this bilateral relationship heading?