People’s Movements Protest Trump’s Agenda Of War And Plunder Ahead Of ASEAN Summit In The Philippines

Manila, Philippines — This November 16–18, the Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump. Behind the diplomatic fanfare is the push for Pax Silica, a deal that puts U.S. imperialist interests ahead of the Filipino people. While Marcos and Trump promise “progress” and “prosperity,” they are placing the country’s land, resources, and future at the disposal of U.S. military and economic domination.

“Trump’s visit is not about peace and prosperity for Southeast Asia. It is a reminder that U.S. imperialism continues to undermine the region’s sovereignty, with ASEAN serving as a rubber stamp for foreign intervention, militarism, and economic plunder at the expense of the interests of the working peoples”, International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) General-Secretary Azra Sayeed said.

The proposed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in Tarlac is yet another foothold for U.S. expansion in the region. The project is already being touted as the country’s “defense-industrial and dual-use backbone,” exposing its intended role in advancing U.S. military and economic interests under the guise of development.

Trump’s visit must be viewed within the U.S. “Pivot to Asia” strategy to contain China and preserve its global dominance through an expanded military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Under Marcos, the Philippines has become further integrated into the U.S. “First Island Chain” through expanded EDCA sites, larger Balikatan exercises, and increased U.S. military facilities and weapons deployments. The February 2026 U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue further advanced this integration through expanded military capabilities, missile and unmanned systems deployments, and closer cooperation with Japan and other regional allies.

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“Trump cannot claim to be a champion of peace while waging wars, imposing economic warfare, and backing genocide. From the repression of immigrants and dissenters in the U.S., to the economic siege of Venezuela and Cuba, military escalation in Asia, aggression against Iran, and support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza, U.S. imperialism has left a trail of violence, destruction, and plunder. His visit is an opportunity to expose this record and reject the lies behind his so-called peace agenda,” Sayeed added.

Wherever imperialism strikes, peoples rise to resist. Across the world, they continue to wage struggles against occupation, exploitation, and foreign domination, defending their land, freedom, and right to self-determination. Nearly a decade later, that resistance remains relevant as imperialism scrambles to maintain its influence amid intensifying global rivalries and crises.

Beyond Manila, solidarity protests against Trump and his Pax Silica initiative are also being organized in various parts of the world during the upcoming ASEAN Summit. Led by the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS), together with its chapters, allies, and networks, these actions will take place in Iwakuni, Japan; Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Los Angeles, Oregon, Washington, D.C., New York, and Honolulu in the United States; West Bengal and New Delhi in India; Thailand; Malaysia; Indonesia; Pakistan; London, United Kingdom; Canada; Hong Kong; Berlin, Germany; Auckland, New Zealand, with more actions expected in other parts of the world.

“We stand in solidarity with all freedom-loving Filipinos and the international community in calling for broad participation in the upcoming actions and activities, culminating in the main protests on November 16–18. Kick Trump out of the Philippines! Reject Pax Silica, imperialist wars, and plunder!” Sayeed concluded.

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