Philippines elections: chances for a positive start in foreign policy
- By Sumantra Maitra
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E-mail China.org.cn, May 14, 2016
As I wrote previously, the Philippines stands at a unique crossroad, being an economically advanced country in a region beset by slowing growth and glut. However, the country cannot navigate a region of growing security dilemma by simply playing one great power against other. It needs to carefully balance its foreign policy. The Philippines needs to build up against the domestic security challenges it faces, especially Islamism; and for that it needs U.S. It also needs China for a steady flow of foreign direct investment. Most importantly it is naïve to antagonize any great power, especially one that is in its own neighborhood.
Right after the elections, China seems to be hopeful for positive Sino-Filipino relation. Xinhua quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang as saying, "China hopes the Philippines' new government can work in the same direction with China, properly handle our differences and get bilateral ties back on track with concrete actions." Lu mentioned that while China attaches great importance to the Philippines, their relations have suffered due to "well known reasons." He also mentioned that China is open to dual track approaches to solve the particular issue. However, China has also made it clear that it would be unrealistic to expect China to allow any arbitration.
In this instance, Duterte seems positive and pragmatic. In an interview in April he said that he doesn't believe that any international tribunal can solve structural disputes, and he mentioned that he is open to negotiations. He also said that since the country was one of the four Asian tiger economies, his primary motive would be to prosper economically.
That gives hope for a positive start to his presidency and also hints at the possibility of making headway in solving the region's problems. While it is difficult to predict what might happen in the future, there are indications that Filipino and Chinese ties might prosper, with some careful handling. After all, the interests of all the countries in the region are primarily focused on economic growth.
Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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