CHINA has spoken clearly: it seeks stability, not strain, in its relations with the Philippines.
In a recent article, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan underscored this intent, offering concrete gestures of goodwill from visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to expanded agricultural imports and cooperation in clean energy. The question now is whether Manila will reciprocate Beijing’s goodwill.
Reciprocity is not submission. It is a strong expression of strategic pragmatism in foreign relations. By engaging China constructively and even comprehensively, the Philippines can secure common development and shared peace while simultaneously strengthening its ability to balance relations with the United States. This is the essence of an independent foreign policy: being pro-Philippines above all else.
Economic reciprocity
Despite ongoing disputes at sea, China remains the Philippines’ largest trading partner as stressed by Ambassador Quan. Its demand for durian, mangoes, bananas and seafood sustains Filipino farmers and provides stable income streams.
Philippine infrastructure projects from railways to ports can be accelerated with Chinese financing through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In fact, China was ready to pursue 14 projects in the Philippines under the BRI. There is a need to revisit these projects for implementation.
Clean energy cooperation offers a path to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Bilateral talks on oil and gas development must go beyond the South China Sea. Manila should respond by easing investment barriers and facilitating joint ventures that deliver tangible benefits to the Filipino people.
Tourism and cultural exchange
Visa-free entry for Chinese tourists is a major opportunity. Manila should reciprocate by streamlining travel for Filipinos to China.
In relation to that, the Philippines and China can expand cultural programs that reduce mistrust. People-to-people ties are the foundation of long-term stability and cultural diplomacy can soften political tensions that otherwise dominate public discourse.
Technology and innovation
China’s accessible artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics platforms can support the Philippines’ national AI road map. Joint ventures in fintech, e-commerce and smart manufacturing will help the country leapfrog into the digital economy.
Manila must seize this chance to modernize, ensuring that Filipino industries remain competitive in a rapidly changing global environment.
Managing the South China Sea dispute
Disputes in the West Philippine Sea are real, but they need not dominate the agenda of Philippines-China relations.
Dialogue, status quo arrangements, and joint development of natural gas and oil resources are pragmatic options. Compartmentalizing disputes allows practical cooperation to flourish elsewhere.
This pragmatic approach does not compromise Philippine sovereignty. It, in fact, it simply asserts that national interest is best served by keeping channels of cooperation open to peacefully manage sea disputes.
Balancing ties with US
Stabilizing relations with China does not mean abandoning ties with the United States. On the contrary, reciprocity with Beijing strengthens Manila’s ability to balance both powers.
By engaging China constructively, the Philippines gains leverage to pursue a truly independent foreign policy, one that is not beholden to either side but firmly anchored in the advancement of national interest.
This balance is precisely what strategic pragmatism demands. Pursuing cooperation with China while maintaining security ties with the US ensures that the Philippines is not inevitably trapped in great power rivalry. Instead, the Philippines stands to benefit from both. Stability with China enhances Manila’s credibility in Washington, demonstrating that the Philippines is capable of managing its own foreign relations responsibly and autonomously.
Public perception and political will
Surveys sadly show that many Filipinos view China with utter suspicion. Yet bridges, vaccines, disaster aid and agricultural support are tangible benefits that cannot be ignored.
The Philippine government must communicate these gains more effectively, ensuring that reciprocity is seen not as weakness but as strength. Public diplomacy is essential to shift perceptions from fear to opportunity.
Conclusion
China has extended its generous hand. The Philippines must now respond with the Filipino value of reciprocity.
Stability, not strain, will best serve the interests of the Filipino people. By embracing cooperation in tourism, agriculture, energy, technology and other fields, Manila can secure prosperity while maintaining balance with two rival powers.
The real choice is not between being pro-China or pro-US, but between being pro-Philippines. Reciprocity is the path to being truly pro-Filipino. Stabilizing relations with China is the key to balancing relations with the United States to get the best of both worlds.
Rommel C. Banlaoi, PhD, is president of Philippine Society for International Security Studies and director of the Philippines-China Studies Center at Diliman College.
