Group 1 - Philippine President Marcos visited the US with a large delegation, aiming to negotiate better trade terms and defense cooperation, but ended up with minimal concessions, specifically a 1% reduction in tariffs from 20% to 19% [1][3] - The meeting highlighted a one-sided trade agreement where the Philippines opened its market to the US with zero tariffs, while the US only slightly reduced tariffs, leading to criticism that the Philippines was not treated as a true ally [3][5] - Marcos attempted to emphasize the Philippines' commitment to the US as a reliable ally and suggested military modernization efforts were aimed at the South China Sea, but these efforts were met with indifference from the US [5][7] Group 2 - The US's reluctance to make significant economic concessions stems from its broader strategic interests, particularly in maintaining favorable relations with China while leveraging the Philippines as a strategic outpost in the South China Sea [5][9] - Domestic challenges await Marcos upon his return, including political instability and public dissatisfaction with his administration's approach to US relations and economic policies, which may lead to further complications in governance [7][9] - The situation serves as a cautionary tale for smaller nations navigating the complexities of international relations, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance over dependence on larger powers [9]