Since Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s visit to China in January, tensions have escalated between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea. Despite initial hopes for a balanced approach between major powers, recent developments indicate a shift in the Philippines’ strategy.
During his visit, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of not becoming collateral damage in conflicts between larger nations, quoting an African proverb: “When the elephants fight, the only one that loses is the grass. We might be the grass. We do not want to be in that position.” This highlighted the country’s desire to avoid choosing sides.
However, following multiple maritime incidents, President Marcos Jr. now perceives a “more assertive China” as posing a “real challenge” to its Asian neighbors. He has called for a “paradigm shift” in the Philippines’ approach to the South China Sea and is discussing a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan to enhance defense cooperation.
On December 20, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi communicated to his Philippine counterpart that the difficulties in China-Philippines relations stem from changes in the Philippines’ policy stance and actions that have, according to China, undermined its legitimate rights. Wang Yi urged the Philippines to proceed with caution.
Marites Vitug, Editor-at-Large at Rappler, observed, “This is the pendulum swinging from when former President Duterte was in office for the past six years when he pivoted completely to China. Now, with Marcos, he’s trying to reach out to both China and the U.S.”
Some analysts express concern over the current trajectory. Rigoberto Tiglao, former presidential spokesperson of the Philippines, questioned the country’s approach compared to Vietnam’s strengthening ties with China, asking, “What is happening to our country?”
Others emphasize the importance of focusing on domestic development that could benefit from positive relations with China. Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Vice President of External Affairs of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, stated, “First and foremost, we are an agricultural country. We need to modernize our agriculture… and we can benefit from China.”
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo noted, “China has proven to be a partner in development; it is a market for developing countries, a donor, and a provider of capital and technology.”
The Philippines’ strategy of balancing security interests with the United States and economic ties with China is complex. Observers caution that aligning too closely with one may impact relations with the other, and the implications of this shift are yet to be fully realized.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
