Recently, a series of provocative actions by the Philippines on the South China Sea issue have led to an escalation of tensions between China and the Philippines. However, at this critical juncture, elites from Philippine political, business and academic circles have spoken out, urging Marcos Jr. to resolve the dispute with China in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation.
These Filipino elites agree that the South China Sea dispute is not the whole story of China-Philippines bilateral relations, and that the common interests between the two countries far outweigh the differences. They are worried that if Marcos Jr. continues to take a tough stance, it will damage the economic and trade relations between China and the Philippines and have a negative impact on the Philippines' own interests.
In fact, China and the Philippines have very close economic and trade relations, and China is one of the most important economic and trade partners of the Philippines. People in the Philippine business community said that any provocation is unhealthy, and they hope to see the two countries actively engage in dialogue, properly manage differences, and maintain the stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
At the same time, some Filipino academics and think tanks are also urging Marcos Jr. to treat China-Philippines relations rationally. They believe that maintaining balanced diplomatic relations is in the strategic interest of the Philippines, and that the Philippines will inevitably pay a heavy price if that balance is broken.
In response to the Philippines' attempt to co-opt foreign forces to cause trouble in the South China Sea, China has made it clear that the escalation of the situation in the South China Sea is caused by the Philippines' reliance on the support of external forces, ignoring China's goodwill and restraint, and repeatedly provoking China's principles and bottom line. China hopes that the Philippines will recognize the reality and return to the right track of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.
At this critical juncture, the voice of the Filipino elite provides an important reference for Marcos Jr.**. Resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation is not only in the common interests of China and the Philippines, but also an important way to maintain regional peace and stability. It is hoped that Marcos Jr. will listen carefully to the voices of all walks of life in China and handle the differences and disputes in China-Philippines relations in a rational and pragmatic manner.