Managing complicated relationship with China

TO say that bilateral relations with China is complicated would be an understatement, given the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea. But as we have said before, we should not demonize China. Our relationship with any country should not be defined by a single issue. Somehow, some way, we need to craft and execute policies that serve our broad mutual interests.

There are local personalities attempting to exploit the disputed-territories issue in pursuit of some political agenda or perhaps even self-interests. We cannot let them succeed.

On the domestic front, anti-China propaganda threatens the social harmony that we enjoy in the Philippines. History reminds us that relations between Filipinos and Chinese have been mostly peaceful for centuries, even before Spanish colonization.

From a foreign policy standpoint, we cannot afford not to have good relations with such a close and powerful neighbor. Of course, we cannot neglect our sovereignty and territorial claims. But we should adhere to policies anchored on diplomacy and other peaceful means to settle our grievances.

In forming our public opinion about China, we should be suspicious of those who single it out and avoid mentioning all our claims, like Sabah. We should challenge their assertions.

That may be worthwhile because the economic stakes are high. China is a leading source of trade and investments, not just for the Philippines but also for the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). We should nurture that and not merely to reap the development dividends. By deepening relations and fostering other linkages, we help both sides appreciate the value of peace over the gains from a cold war or full-blown conflict.

To realize that, the Philippines needs to practice advanced diplomacy. That requires examining issues from a global lens rather than from a parochial frame. For instance, we should not ignore the fact that the disputed-territories issue is also linked to the rivalry between the United States and China.

Given that dynamic, how then does the Philippines position itself? While there are no easy answers, remembering this proverb might help: When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.

Seek out the doves

In suggesting that the Philippines is like grass, we do not mean being inert. We should continue what has been started, including the resumption of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US and our own effort to develop a minimum credible defense.

At the same time, we should continue to deepen our mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation with China. Before we ask our neighbors to understand us, it may be more productive to understand them first. China is not a monolith. And despite its pride and ambition, it is not bent on world domination.

We should turn away from those proposing seemingly easy alternatives, such as confronting China, armed only with the Mutual Defense Treaty we have with the US. That kind of talk is frankly insane.

Of course, China has hawks. And we should have a playbook for them.

China’s military leaders tout that they are committed to pursuing peaceful development through joint efforts with other countries, particularly in peacekeeping, counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations. But the People’s Liberation Army often uses these claims as justifications for expanding its overseas presence for its own broader strategic goals. But we should check their record on fighting terrorism and piracy, if only to form a level of understanding that can guide our own actions.

Also, we should seek out the doves. We need them to lead our policy work. And we need to work with like-minded leaders who want to see China realize its goals without trampling on the interests of other nations, particularly ours.

Ready or not, China is on the rise. And like it or not, China is next door to us. These are facts, and they are indisputable.

Equally undeniable is the fact that Filipinos have dreams and national pride. We risk those if the hawks have their way.

We cannot give up on diplomacy yet. That requires patience and restraint. As we said, it is complicated. But complicated clearly trumps the alternative.