Philippines envoy pushes for good relations between Manila, Beijing

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz is asking the Filipino community in China to support efforts to improve relations between the Philippines and China despite disagreements and differences between the two countries.

He spoke with members of the Filipino community, the Philippine embassy in Beijing and six other consulates general in China, during a gathering to commemorate the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence last week, where he discussed initiatives to create a “new equilibrium” in Philippines-China relations.

“In our history books, we learn stories about the bravery of Filipinos to uphold our freedom and sovereignty. That is still the standard we follow in Philippines-China relations. We have fundamental differences in our positions especially with regards the sea, yet we remain steadfast and resolute,” FlorCruz said.

“At the same time we strive for interaction to continue, more dialogue, stronger bonds, more trade and commerce, tourism including additional direct flights… We wish for a new equilibrium in our relations. And with this the strengthening of bridges linking our two countries,” he added.

FlorCruz highlighted the important role of the Filipino diaspora in different parts of China in maintaining these ties.

“You yourselves are that true bridge. In your work and everyday lives, you reinforce the connection and understanding between our countries,” he said, noting the contribution of Filipinos through their meaningful work and day-to-day interactions with the Chinese.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing said the gathering also featured a weekend consular operation, through which the embassy provided essential government services to the Filipino community, including passport renewal, civil registration, notarial services and overseas voting registration.

The program likewise featured briefings for the Filipino community on the embassy’s work as the Philippine government’s official representative in China, the history and current state of Philippines-China bilateral relations and economic opportunities in the Philippines.

Representatives from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Beijing and the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Beijing presented investment and tourism-related opportunities, encouraging overseas Filipinos to remain engaged in the country’s continued growth and development.

This comes at a time of seemingly increasing tension between the Philippines and China after the recent barring of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and his family from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.

Such sanctions stemmed from Teodoro’s continuing statements against China’s illegal presence in the West Philippine Sea, in contravention of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Teodoro admitted that such move by China is well within the country’s sovereign rights, though he vowed to continue defending the Philippines’ sovereign rights.