In political rallies, Senate hearings and voter surveys ahead of Monday's midterm elections in the Philippines, China has been an overwhelming - and unusual - presence.

The outcome could shape the country's strategic positioning over the remaining half of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's six-year term.

The Philippines began voting on Monday in midterm elections that could decide the fate of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, whose feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with both the global trade war and growing tensions with China.