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.