‘Chewing gum diplomacy’

This refers to “Nagging questions on China” by Solita Collas-Monsod under her column “Get Real” (Opinion, 8/26/17). To support Ms Monsod on China being a “barefaced liar,” I have one example which I’ve tagged “chewing gum diplomacy”:

During the watch of then Trade Secretary Jose Concepcion Jr., I participated in one of the PH-China joint trade commission meetings as a member of the Philippine panel on behalf of Philippine International Trading Corp., a state trading organization of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Our task was to push China to buy more Philippine products under our trade balancing agreement.

These may not be the exact words but this is how the conversation went during the Manila meeting as far as my memory is concerned. (The Chinese side used an interpreter.)

Chinese Minister: I am very, very happy to announce that China has liberalized its foreign trade and is in a position to buy more Philippine products under our yearly import-export protocol.

Philippine Head of Mission: We are very pleased to hear this good news which means we could expand our product coverage for consideration by the China side to include consumer goods.

Chinese Minister: Yes, we will just be happy to hear your specific product proposals and if you can itemize them, now.

Philippine Head of Mission: We now have the list, Excellency, and following a liberalized trade regime as declared, may we start with the new items.

The first batch is led by several chewing gum and candy companies that have found markets for their products in China. They have made strong representations with us and it is vital that they be included as they have a growing production facility and employment …

Chinese Minister: (After talking with his team) Mr. Minister, China absolutely does not allow the import of chewing gum…. This is a nonessential item and therefore we will not favor its inclusion. (Stands up and heads for the exit with his team)

MIGUEL Z. PATOLOT, vice president for countertrade with Philippine International Trading Corp., and former executive editor, Business Day