Philippines: Your Choice

I have been reading more and more lately about the Philippines and their dislike of America's military presence within their borders.

Today I see a picture of a man holding up a sign saying "Hillary Go Away." The man is protesting joint-military exercises between the US and the Philippines. To which I thought, "Isn't there a more pressing concern regarding the military for the Philippines?" China continues to maintain a military base on the Spratly Islands, despite the Spratlys being a part of Philippine territory, and despite the fact that the military base is illegal. Moreover, China's military presence in the South China Sea has been increasing dramatically for the past decade, and now China claims the entire South China Sea, including the Spratly and Paracel Archipelagos. Chinese warships are firing on the fishing boats of other nations out in the South China, even when those ships are well within their home-country's respective territories. What will the Philippines do if the US leaves the area to the mercy of the Chinese? Obviously, Philippine military strength is insufficient to persuade the Chinese to leave the Spratlys. Given the present situation in Southeast Asia, it would be more logical for the Philippines to welcome US military presence.

Just my thinking... do you want US joint-exercises, aka 'cooperation,' or do you want to be militarily dominated by the Chinese? Who is doing more to disrespect Philippine sovereignty? Think about it :)

Here is the link to that picture: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8356612.stm