As Justice George Malcolm put it: “To doubt is to sustain.” As how I see it, this could be the very essence within which President Duterte’s independent foreign policy, vis-à-vis China, operates.
Just recently, it has been reported that aside from the P65-million assistance given by China to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it also gave additional humanitarian aid funds for the rehabilitation of Maute-Islamic State-stricken Marawi City. Also, we cannot be remiss in accounting for all other previous financial assistance China has extended and popularly denominated as “soft loans.”
While these are good news, it is believed that these favors should not become a distraction for the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea, which was upheld by the Permanent Court of Arbitration more than a year ago.
What the Philippines can do in view of the status quo is to make the most out of the “outpouring” assistance and/or support of China. While a warming nontraditional relation is emerging between the Philippines and China, the former should not forget to strike a balance among its neighbors and allies.
Consequently, President Duterte must always be mindful of his acts in order not to cause undue detriment or jeopardy of the Philippines’ existing relations with traditional/old allies such as the United States. Sound foreign relations practiced by most progressive countries show and dictate that a good and independent foreign policy must be inclusive — not one that eliminates — to ensure optimum benefit of the state.
Finally, and more importantly, the Philippines must stay firm and unequivocal with its dealings with China. In every transaction, the former should always put first the best interest of the state and prevent any act that would amount to a divestiture or cession of any of its rights to the latter. This is because, at this point, we still don’t know and can’t validate China’s true intention toward the Philippines.
I can only hope that the current and succeeding administrations alike could concretize more unequivocal acts and relations, which are way beyond presumptions and suppositions. Indeed, what China would do as a manifestation of its acclaimed sincerity with its dealings with the Philippines is something no one but only time can tell.
ROBERTO MONTOYA, bertmontoya@outlook.com