Framing the World is an analytical column providing in-depth coverage of key dynamics in international politics. Organized by geographic region—Asia, the Americas, Africa & MENA, and Europe—it features a weekly thematic focus comprising multiple coordinated contributions. Its goal is to deliver clear, accessible insights into major global developments through the collaborative work of our editorial team.
All this and much more in the latest issue of FtW!
Philippines: The Marcos–Duterte Clash Moves to the Courts
On Friday, a Philippine court ordered the arrest of Vice President Sara Duterte, accused of threatening to arrange the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez. The measure marks the latest chapter in a bitter political and personal feud that has pitted the two most powerful dynasties in Philippine politics against each other in recent years.
The allegations trace back to a press conference held by Duterte nearly two years ago, when the Vice President was under investigation for alleged corruption. On that occasion, Duterte reportedly claimed she had made arrangements for Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez to be killed if she herself were assassinated. Nor was it an isolated incident: just weeks earlier, she had directed other violent remarks at the President. Duterte has denied the charges, arguing that her statements were "maliciously taken out of context," while her allies contend that the Vice President cannot face criminal prosecution while in office.
The feud is particularly striking given the two leaders' recent alliance. Marcos and Duterte joined forces ahead of the 2022 elections, forging a winning coalition that swept them both to the highest offices of state. However, the partnership between the two families deteriorated rapidly following the administration’s inauguration, devolving into political warfare marked by mutual accusations of corruption and abuse of power. The rift deepened further with the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Vice President's father, facilitated by the Marcos administration. The former head of state faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court in connection with the bloody anti-drug campaign waged during his presidency.
Meanwhile, Sara Duterte continues to navigate multiple legal and institutional hurdles: she has faced two impeachment attempts and is currently involved in proceedings before the Philippine Senate. A conviction could bar her from holding public office in the future. Yet the struggle between Marcos and Duterte extends well beyond these courtroom battles; at its core lies the future balance of power in the Philippines. Despite the controversies, Sara Duterte remains one of the country's most influential political figures and a leading contender for the 2028 presidential race. The outcome of this legal battle could well shape the next chapter of Philippine politics.
Francesco Oppia
China–Egypt: Xi in Cairo and the Challenge to American Influence in the Middle East
This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Cairo to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt. The visit carries significant strategic weight within the current regional landscape, shaped by the conflict involving Iran, subsequent volatility across energy markets, and mounting uncertainty surrounding the United States' role in the Middle East.
During the three-day trip, Xi met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. According to the official Chinese news agency Xinhua, the two countries signed multiple cooperation agreements spanning artificial intelligence, trade, and other economic sectors.
Xi’s visit to Cairo extends well beyond the symbolic anniversary and the strengthening of bilateral ties. Egypt remains a longstanding, strategic partner of Washington in the region, receiving more than $1.3 billion in annual U.S. military aid.
At the same time, Beijing has established itself as Cairo’s top trading partner and continues to expand its economic footprint in the country. Chinese firms are involved in flagship infrastructure initiatives, including the New Administrative Capital, while several automakers have signed deals for local vehicle assembly. Over the past decade, bilateral trade has surged by roughly 60%, topping $20 billion over the past year compared to approximately $13 billion in 2015.
Bilateral engagement is also expanding into more sensitive domains. Last month, China and Egypt conducted joint military drills, during which Beijing deployed J-16 fighter jets for training exercises alongside Egyptian armed forces. The exercise represented a further step forward in defense cooperation and afforded China the opportunity to train alongside Western-made military hardware deployed by the Egyptian armed forces.
Despite these deepening ties, there are no clear indications that China intends to replace the United States as the anchor of Egypt’s security architecture. Cairo instead appears to be pursuing a pragmatic diversification strategy: preserving its traditional alliance with Washington while capitalizing on the economic and technological opportunities offered by Beijing.
Ultimately, Xi Jinping’s visit carries implications reaching far beyond bilateral relations. As the Arab world's most populous nation and a central geopolitical player in both the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt serves as a vital springboard for China to enhance its standing and project its influence across the broader Arab world.
Francesco Oppia
Framing the World is an initiative conceived and developed through the collaborative efforts of a team of associates from Mondo Internazionale.
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