The visit of China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, to the Philippines has sparked considerable international attention, particularly in light of the ongoing military exercises between the United States and its Philippine allies in the disputed South China Sea. The visit comes as part of Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors, a region that has been historically dominated by US influence. As tensions continue to rise between the US and China, experts are closely watching the developments of the visit, hoping for a peaceful resolution that would respect the territorial claims of all parties involved.
The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, recently landed in Manila, the Philippine capital, where he is set to engage in discussions regarding a variety of topics with local officials. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the talks would include mutual security issues as well as means to strengthen cooperation in important sectors such as agriculture, trade, and energy.
The highlight of Qin’s visit would be his scheduled talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. He is also scheduled to meet with Enrique Manalo, the Philippine Foreign Minister.
During a recent discussion between Qin and Manalo, the Philippine Foreign Minister emphasized that the differences between the two countries over the South China Sea should not overshadow their bilateral ties. Qin, in turn, sought to reassure the Philippine officials that Beijing is prepared to work with Manila to resolve their disagreements and implement the consensus that the two countries have reached.
The visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to the Philippines comes amid rising tensions between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea. China has made territorial claims over almost the entire area, including territories that the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei consider their own. The tension has led to skirmishes, legal proceedings, and diplomatic spats between China and these other countries. In recent months, the US has escalated its own engagement in the region, conducting naval exercises and making diplomatic overtures to China’s neighbors.
China and the Philippines have a complicated relationship, especially regarding the South China Sea. While the two countries have pledged to ease their tensions through diplomatic means, there have been reports of Chinese incursions into Philippine waters and incidents of harassment of Philippine fishermen. Moreover, Chinese economic and geopolitical influence in the Philippines has raised concerns among some domestic critics of the Philippine government.
The visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister is expected to provide both countries with the opportunity to move towards resolving their differences peacefully. China recognizes the Philippines as an important neighbor and partner in South Asia and sees it as a key counterbalance to US influence in the region. For the Philippines, China is an important source of investment, trade, and economic cooperation, especially as it emerges from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is hope that Qin’s visit will help ease tensions and strengthen the mutual relationship between China and the Philippines, including cooperation on shared security concerns and economic prosperity. A peaceful resolution of the South China Sea issue, in particular, would significantly build confidence between China and its neighbors, laying the foundation for long-term regional stability and prosperity.
