Cooperation with China on the Philippines’ War on Drugs

Abstract

President Rodrigo Duterte launched the war on drugs at the beginning of his term, a high-profile campaign against illicit drug trade that serves as the cornerstone of domestic policy. The Philippines seeks to eradicate drug dealing and addiction, which are seen by the present administration as major obstacles to the country’s economic and social progress. Amidst the polemics against President Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, the Philippines found an ally in China, which expressed understanding of the government’s efforts to eliminate illegal drugs.