US-led Luzon corridor in Philippines faces growing scrutiny over real local benefits

AI Summary

The US-led Luzon Economic Corridor in the Philippines is facing growing scrutiny amid protests accusing the initiative of exploiting local resources and lacking real benefits for local communities. This opposition reflects broader tensions over American-led economic projects in the region.

While Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr was pitching the Luzon Economic Corridor to a 600-strong delegation of foreign investors and officials last week, protesters outside were clashing with police, accusing the US-backed initiative of exploiting the country’s resources. The backlash mirrored opposition against the Pax Silica AI supply chain drive – a separate proposal but again, American-led. It underscored mounting tension over the ambitious corridor, since expanded from a transport...