President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s recent call to Filipino-Chinese businessmen to boost Manila’s bilateral ties with Beijing has raised the possibility that the Philippine leader is softening his stance on China.
Advertisement
However, while the president’s sudden pivot could signal a recalibration of his approach, observers say the move is unlikely to yield any results in the near term because of his earlier hardline policy, including a statement earlier this month by his defence chief at a major security summit in Singapore.
At an oath-taking ceremony of 265 newly elected officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc at the group’s office in Manila on Tuesday, Marcos urged business leaders to promote the country as a “dependable economic partner” to China.
“You are uniquely positioned to help deepen our international partnerships, particularly, of course, with China. Stronger ties mean better trade, greater investments, and enhanced collaboration,” the president said.
“Our story is shaped not just by treaties or official documents, but by consistent cooperation: relief efforts in times of crisis, educational initiatives, cultural exchanges and economic ventures.”
Wilson Lee Flores, a political-economic analyst and honorary chairman of the Anvil Business Club in Manila who attended the event, said traders were surprised by the president’s tone.