Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to President Marcos, cane in hand, was met with a playful caption in a social media chat: “The Ambassador of China presents his credentials to the President of the Philippines.” This visit was an attempt by the President to address the unintended provocation caused by Duterte’s unannounced trip to Beijing, accompanied by officials from a media outfit owned by Apollo Quiboloy, a wanted preacher-media mogul associated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This visit, which can be seen as a political lifeline, puts the President in a difficult position as he tries to smooth over both Beijing’s behavior and the criticisms from his domestic detractors.
Beijing further escalated tensions by verbally accusing the Philippines of breaking a previous pledge to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, a promise allegedly made by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during a state visit by Hu Jintao. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed its dismay over the failure of the special communications line between Manila and Beijing, as their attempts to reach out went unanswered. Meanwhile, Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, believes that the purpose of hotlines with China is not necessarily for communication, but rather to create uncertainty and potentially de-escalate the situation. By not answering, China is attempting to assert its strength.
A congressman’s suggestion to “downgrade” the embassy and recall the inactive ambassador was unhelpful. It is my belief that our country’s representative in Beijing is highly qualified to navigate the complex dynamics and keep Manila informed about China’s actions and intentions. This is far more beneficial than engaging in grandstanding politics. It’s important to recognize that China’s use of water cannon by its coast guard is part of its “Gray Zone Tactics Playbook,” where it employs non-lethal means to discourage unwanted activities. This tactic, commonly seen in South China Sea incidents, allows China to attack other vessels while minimizing damage to personnel and equipment.
When it comes to dealing with the Middle East or the West, we have a wealth of contacts and institutional knowledge. However, this is not the case for much of Asia. During his presidency, Benigno S. Aquino III realized the need for extensive knowledge of China’s politburo and sought the DFA’s resident expert on China. Unfortunately, the best available resource was a young diplomat heading the China desk. Aquino then turned to Filipino journalists Chito Sta. Romana and Jaime FlorCruz, both longtime Beijing residents, for their insights. These experienced individuals were able to provide valuable information discreetly, aiding Aquino in his decision-making. My personal interaction with Sta. Romana further convinced me of his expertise and dedication to serving the country. Unfortunately, much of the real diplomacy was conducted through informal channels, bypassing officials like Sta. Romana and hindering their ability to contribute.
Sta. Romana’s passing resulted in a tribute from FlorCruz, commending his ability to navigate bilateral relations with China with calm and steady hands. Sta. Romana’s deep understanding of China allowed him to work in the best interests of our country and people. This further highlights that “wolf warrior diplomacy” is not suitable for us. The recent changes in China’s foreign ministry, with a return to a more hard-line approach, further confirm their behavior in recent days.
In conclusion, it is important to maintain open communication channels with China and capitalize on the expertise and experience of individuals like Sta. Romana and FlorCruz. Diplomacy with China requires careful navigation and a deep understanding of their actions and motivations. By embracing a diplomatic approach, we can work towards the best interests of our country and maintain stability in the region.
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