THE Philippines and China maintain a mutually dependent commercial relationship, Malacañang said on Tuesday, asserting that both nations rely on each other for trade despite ongoing diplomatic and maritime discussions.
At a news briefing, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said that Manila is not severing ties with Beijing and remains committed to sustaining bilateral business and investment ties.
“There is no prohibition in dealing with China in relation to trade and investment,” Ms. Castro said. “And we are also dealing with China in a very diplomatic manner.”
“Real talk — China needs the Philippines, and the Philippines needs China when it comes to trade,” she added.
Ms. Castro made the remarks following concerns raised by Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio that the administration considers her a threat, questioning whether President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s comments implied that conducting business with China poses a security risk.
“This is concerning because it is like he [Mr. Marcos] is saying that those who do business and have trade with China are also threats to the country,” Ms. Duterte said on Monday.
Over the weekend in Singapore, Mr. Marcos warned that allegations of Chinese entities funding a firm linked to Ms. Duterte would constitute a “threat at the highest level to the republic” if proven true.
Ms. Castro said that commercial cooperation should remain distinct from protecting sovereignty amid territorial issues in the South China Sea. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking