Boosting trade between China, the Philippines, and other neighboring countries is seen as a potential solution to defuse tensions concerning the West Philippine Sea. According to a speech by Dr. Rommel Banlaoi at an online forum, a study conducted by Stanford University showed that the more trading partners a country has, the less likely it is to engage in war. He added that intensifying trade between China, the Philippines, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations can lessen the prospects of war in the region. Another expert at the forum, Anna Malindog-Uy, highlighted the historical ties between China and the Philippines through the Marcos family, noting that the Chinese side will always maintain continuity and stability in its friendly policy and provide active support and assistance to the Philippines. China remains one of the Philippines’ biggest trading partners and export destinations. The remarks come after reports of Chinese presence and disinformation in the West Philippine Sea had been exposed by the Philippine Coast Guard.
