Philippine-China Relations

Contemporary
PHILIPPINE - CHINA
Relations
Flores, Jennifer Gayle G
PS 264
OUTLINE OF THE REPORT
Short background: Relations until WW2
Post-WW2 Nation-Building Period
Establishment of Formal Relations
Post-Cold War and New World Order
Contemporary PH-CN Relations
Conclusion
Relations Until WW2
Pre-colonial period was characterized by

strong trade, strong cultural people-to-people
ties.
The struggle for independence against Spain

and the United States did not only affect the
Chinese in the Philippines but had indirect
influence on Chinas history.1
The Philippines, in evicting the Spaniards

and fighting the Americans, is the
vanguard of the struggle for independence
in Asia. The victory of the Philippines will
also help us, the yellow race, in our fight
and put fear in the hearts of the white race
.... The Philippine independence is
watched closely by the Chinese because
its influence on China will be great..
Liang Chi-chao, "America, the Philippines, England's Battles and
their Relation to China
Revolutionary Linkages
In June 1898, Mariano Ponce (Aguinaldos

representative to Japan) met with Dr. Sun Yat Sen
in Yokohama and solicited his assistance in
acquiring military arms in their fight against the
Americans, to which Sun Yat Sen responded
positively, even sending members of his
revolutionary party to help.1
Aguinaldo was likewise known to have supported

Chinese struggle, giving Sun Yat Sen 100,000
Japanese yen and offering to help initiate Chinas
armed struggle after the Philippines achieved
independence.1
Relations during WW2
During Japanese occupation of Manila, ethnic

Chinese in the Philippines suffered atrocities under
the new colonizers. They were made to pay for
their support in the Sino-Japanese conflict.
Ethnic Chinese joined the underground and formed

several guerilla units, joined the Philippine army
against the Japanese.1
The war fought by the ethnic migrant Chinese

and indigenous Filipino against Japan served as a
catalyst for the formation of the Chinese - Filipino
identity.2
After 1949, factionalism in China resumed and

even in the Philippines, they were divided into
Pro-Kuomintang and Pro-Communist groups.
They were perceived as agents of

communism from Mainland China.
Post-WW2 Nation
Building
The Republic of China (ROC) was one of the

first countries to recognize the Philippine
Republic after the latter became independent
in July 1946.1
PH set up consulates in Shanghai, Xiamen,

and Nanjing in 1947.
On October 1, 1949, the Peoples Republic of

China was proclaimed and PH legation
transferred to Taiwan.
On Taiwans recognition: PH govt did not initially

take an anti-communist stance, but was pressured
by the US and Taiwan to recognise Taiwan as the
legitimate representative of China.
Korean War: PH allied itself with US against PRC

and North Korea.
Mutual Defense Treaty with the US (1951),

Membership in SEATO (1955): PH foreign policy
took an anti-communist stance and became
closely hewn to US policy.
China condemned ASEANs establishment (1967)
Establishment of Formal
Relations
In 1967, Pres. Marcos began exploring the

idea to open up to socialist countries to
expand trade partners and not be dependent
on traditional markets, but also for security
reasons.1
Relations with Beijing was not from an

ideological change of heart but for realist
considerations.
"We in Asia must strive toward a modus

vivendi with Red China. I reiterate this
need, which is becoming more urgent
each day. Before long, Communist China
will have increased its striking power a
thousand fold with a sophisticated delivery
system for its nuclear weapons. We must
prepare for that day. We must prepare to
co-exist peaceably with Communist China.
"
Ferdinand Marcos, SONA 1969
The strategic environment was changing fast.

Marcos, along with other ASEAN leaders,
opted to pursue a policy of neutrality for the
region, that is, to be free from the
intervention and involvement of the
ideological superpowers.
In 1971, Beijing had re-assumed its seat as a

permanent member of the UN Security
Council.
Washington ceased to isolate Beijing and

Beijing opened up to Washington.
In 1972, Benjamin Kokoy Romualdez,

brother of Imelda Marcos, started secret visits
to China. This paved the way for official
diplomatic relations between PH and PRC.
In 1974, Imelda Marcos herself went to

Beijing.
On June 9, 1975, Marcos and Premier Zhou Enlai

signed a joint communique normalizing relations
between Manila and Beijing.
This meant a downgrade in PHs relation with

Taiwan.
The decision to recognize Beijing was part of an

explicit foreign policy shift undertaken by the
Marcos government, not to limit ourselves with
exclusive bilateral relations with the US but to
strengthen ties with other countries.
Domestic imperative for the normalisation of

ties with Beijing:
PRCs membership to UN Security Council
1973 Oil Crisis
US-China opened relations
PHs Anti-communism campaign
Projection of Non-alignment
Chinas changing worldview: After the internal

power struggles following the death of Mao
Zedong in 1976, reformist leaders gained the
upperhand. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping
announced a strategic shift in the direction
of Chinas economic development policy.
1980s: PH political turmoil did not allow the

country to take full advantage of Chinas
economic liberalization.
FIRST 20 YEARS OF PH-CN Relations (19751995)

can be described as cordial at the political
level, warm in the cultural and people-to-people
aspect but only of limited success in its
economic objectives. (Baviera, 2000)
Philippine relations with China normalised, with
the latter offering friendship price but
bilateral trade relations with Taiwan remained
comparatively stronger. (Tuazon, 2014)
Fast Facts
2005 was declared as the golden age of partnership.
In 2010, PR China was PHs 3rd largest trading

partner, 9th top foreign partner investor and 4th
source of tourist.
1975-1995: 100 bilateral agreements
Bilateral trade: 1975 (USD 72.2M) to 2012 (USD

36.37 B)
Marked with top level state visits
Established mechanisms for bilateral talks and

consultations
Contemporary PH-CN
Relations
Sleeping dragon image: Ideological

differences and sharp differences in the
political differences in the Cold War resulted
to a generalisation of many Filipinos that
China is at least a potential threat (This was
also because of the influence of American
policy and media). 1
Periodic Tensions: Taiwan Issue and South

China Sea Issue
One-China Policy
Manila sought Beijings understanding to maintain

unofficial relations with Taiwan as it is close to the
Philippines geographically, related historically, and
presented economic opportunities to the country.
In Cory Aquinos administration, there was a move

to revisit PHs One China Policy in favor of Taiwan.
PHs devastated economy and Taiwans promise of

investments made the Philippines vulnerable to
Taiwans challenge of the One-China policy.
In the end, Philippines still chose PRC.
Territorial Disputes
Increase in economic power = increased

assertiveness in reclaiming territories
1995 - Occupation of Mischief Reef in the

Spratly Islands
Fishing in PHs Exclusive Economic Zone
Presence of PRC Naval Vessels in Malayan

area
Sources: Left (Wikipedia) Upper right (NASA), lower right (CNN Philippines)
In 1995, a bilateral code of conduct was established.
the dispute shall not be allowed to affect the normal

development of relations, and should be settled in a
peaceful and friendly manner, through consultations and
on the basis of equality and mutual respect. It also
committed both sides to undertake confidence- building
measures, and to pursue specific forms of cooperation
until the disputes are eventually resolved. It expressed a
desire to cooperate for the protection and conservation of
maritime resources, and stated that the dispute should be
settled by countries directly concerned without prejudice
to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Furthermore, Manila and Beijing agreed to settle the
dispute in accordance with the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and recognized principles
of international law.1
In 1996, PH and PRC established bilateral

consultative mechanisms to explore ways of
cooperation in the South China Sea.
Fisheries
Marine Environment Protection
Confidence Building Measures
The role of ASEAN
The Philippines has come to considerably rely

on ASEAN for its diplomacy with China with
regards to disputed islands.
China, on the other hand, saw ASEAN as

beneficial for creating and strengthening a
multipolar world order.
(2014) Submission of the South China sea

case of the Philippines to the arbitration
before ITLOS, which garnered diplomatic
protests from China.
Defense Partnerships
Visiting Forces Agreement -> Enhanced

Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with
US (2014)
Defense Partnership with Japan (Defense

Equipment Cooperation Agreement - 2016)
Defense Partnership with Viet Nam
Source: The Diplomat
tte
Some other strains:
Rizal park hostage crisis (2010) - 8 died, many injured;

no apologies from the PH govt
Shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine
coast guard (2013) - PH issued an apology
Request of PH govt to stop execution of drug mules

were not heeded (2013)
OFWs in Hong Kong
Corruption cases involving Chinese companies (ZTE

broadband deal)
Conclusion
Possibly the greatest foreign policy challenge for

China in the Post-Cold War era is to rise to great
power status that will ensure peace rather than
instability, mutual benefit rather than hegemony.
(Baviera)
Although the Philippines has disputes with China,

it is important not to negate years of cordial
contact and even more years of people to people
contact.
While the Philippines have been pursuing to settle

territorial claims through multilateral means, we
should not altogether abandon bilateral talks.
Conclusion
Philippine foreign policy should mature to a

level that we have a coherent and strategic
foreign policy, and not changing according to
political leadership.
PH-CN relations should not be constrained by

territorial disputes but should still be guided
by economic cooperation, peace and
harmony.
References
1. Baviera, A. S. P. (2000). Philippines-China Relations in the 20th Century: History
vs Strategy. Asian Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, 32(2).
Retrieved from
http://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-36-2-2000/baviera.pdf
2. Tuazon, B. M. (2014). THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF PHILIPPINES-CHINA
RELATIONS: Current Situation and Prospects. Retrieved from
http://www.cenpeg.org/pol-study/int/PAPER FOR GASS ISEAS lecture of April 18
2014.pdf
3. Carino, T. C. (1996). Philippine-China Relations in the Post Cold War Era. Asian
Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, 31(32), 5063. Retrieved from
http://www.asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-31-32-1995-1996/carino.pdf
4. http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/philippines-to-get-five-new-aircraft-from-japa
n-amid-south-china-sea-tensions/
5. http://www.gov.ph/2016/03/03/ph-jp-sign-defense-agreement/
6. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/10/20/philippines-vietnam-f
inalizing-maritime-defense-partnership-436820

Philippine-China Relations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Philippine-China Relations

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Philippine-China Relations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Contemporary

OUTLINE OF THE REPORT

Short background: Relations until WW2

Post-WW2 Nation-Building Period

Establishment of Formal Relations

Post-Cold War and New World Order

Contemporary PH-CN Relations

Relations Until WW2

Pre-colonial period was characterized by

The struggle for independence against Spain

The Philippines, in evicting the Spaniards

In June 1898, Mariano Ponce (Aguinaldos

Aguinaldo was likewise known to have supported

Relations during WW2

During Japanese occupation of Manila, ethnic

Ethnic Chinese joined the underground and formed

The war fought by the ethnic migrant Chinese

After 1949, factionalism in China resumed and

They were perceived as agents of

The Republic of China (ROC) was one of the

PH set up consulates in Shanghai, Xiamen,

On October 1, 1949, the Peoples Republic of

On Taiwans recognition: PH govt did not initially

Korean War: PH allied itself with US against PRC

Mutual Defense Treaty with the US (1951),

China condemned ASEANs establishment (1967)

In 1967, Pres. Marcos began exploring the

Relations with Beijing was not from an

"We in Asia must strive toward a modus

The strategic environment was changing fast.

In 1971, Beijing had re-assumed its seat as a

Washington ceased to isolate Beijing and

In 1972, Benjamin Kokoy Romualdez,

In 1974, Imelda Marcos herself went to

On June 9, 1975, Marcos and Premier Zhou Enlai

This meant a downgrade in PHs relation with

The decision to recognize Beijing was part of an

Domestic imperative for the normalisation of

PRCs membership to UN Security Council

1973 Oil Crisis

US-China opened relations

PHs Anti-communism campaign

Chinas changing worldview: After the internal

1980s: PH political turmoil did not allow the

FIRST 20 YEARS OF PH-CN Relations (19751995)

2005 was declared as the golden age of partnership.

In 2010, PR China was PHs 3rd largest trading

1975-1995: 100 bilateral agreements

Bilateral trade: 1975 (USD 72.2M) to 2012 (USD

Marked with top level state visits

Established mechanisms for bilateral talks and

Sleeping dragon image: Ideological

Periodic Tensions: Taiwan Issue and South

Manila sought Beijings understanding to maintain

In Cory Aquinos administration, there was a move

PHs devastated economy and Taiwans promise of

In the end, Philippines still chose PRC.

Increase in economic power = increased

1995 - Occupation of Mischief Reef in the