"Even U.S. allies locked in national security disputes with Beijing, like the Philippines, are finding it impossible to resist China’s green energy infrastructure."

"MANILA — The Philippines, among the countries in Southeast Asia, has the most contentious relationship with China: It is embroiled in a protracted and high-stakes territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea, and has accused Chinese state-sponsored groups of trying to interfere in this month’s midterm elections.

But these tensions, and associated national security concerns, have not stopped the Philippines from turning to China for the renewable energy infrastructure it needs for its development — not least because Chinese-made green tech is much cheaper than American and European offerings.

“The Chinese offer was so much lower than their European counterparts, so for us that was an awakening,” said Gerry P. Magbanua, president of Manila-based renewable power company Alternergy, recounting the bids he received to build two wind farms in the Philippines."

Christian Shepherd reports for the Washington Post May 4, 2025. [2]