Business groups, civil society orgs back DFA call for sustained PH-China dialogue

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Several business, labor, industry, and civil society organizations in the country expressed support Saturday for the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) call for continued dialogue and cooperation between the Philippines and China.

In a joint statement, the groups commended DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro's recent talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, noting that the engagement reflects the agency's pursuit of principled diplomacy with the country's "top trading partner."

"We recognize the DFA's pragmatic and statesmanlike approach in protecting the country's national interests, particularly its economic development, trade and exports, tourism, overseas Filipino workers, and other vital bilateral engagements with China, the Philippines' largest trading partner," the statement read.

The groups pointed out that amid intensifying global economic competition, the Philippines—much like its ASEAN neighbors—should seek to deepen trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, and tourism ties with Beijing.

They added that while upholding national sovereignty and interests, the country can simultaneously pursue mutually beneficial economic opportunities with China through constructive engagement.

"We therefore support the DFA's pursuit of principled diplomacy and sustained dialogue over confrontation, recognizing that a balanced and constructive relationship with China is essential to advancing Philippine economic security, national interests, and sustainable development," the group added.

The joint statement was signed by the following organizations:

• Asian Association of Academic Administrators and Educators Inc. (A4E)
• Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP)
• Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
• Federation of Free Workers (FFW)
• Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI)
• Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP)
• GS1 Philippines
• OFW Foundation
• Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA)
• Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON)
• Philippine Association of Salt Industry Networks Inc. (PhilASIN)
• Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI)
• Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
• Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)
• Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX)
• Philippine Franchise Association (PFA)
• Philippine Retailers Association (PRA)
• Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA)
• Semiconductor and Electronic Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI)
• Women's Business Council Philippines (WomenBiz)

Over the past weeks, officials of Manila and Beijing have had a series of heated verbal exchanges, notably after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan remarked that China would easily defeat the Philippines if it used force. Manila called out the Chinese envoy for making a "thinly veiled threat."

On Wednesday, Lazaro spoke with Wang Yi, describing their meeting as a "frank and constructive discussion on the direction of Philippines-China relations."

According to Lazaro, both the Philippines and China underscored the need for "continued diplomatic dialogue and proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect." — VDV, GMA News