By Danilo P. Padua, PhD
Just a couple of days ago, typhoon Lawin was busy destroying lives and properties in Northern-Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Bicol Region, discharging rainfall in a day almost equivalent to one month average rainfall for October. In Beijing, China another fury, originating from the Philippines, was busy creating international confusion. He is no other than the ‘rockstar’, DU30. He did it in his still on-going official visit to the ancient but once sleeping kingdom.
Wearing a diplomatically weird attire of maong jeans and a tuxedo top while walking, President Duterte later declared: “In this venue, I announce my separation from the United States, both military and economics”. He delivered his statement in front of the gathered Chinese officials and diplomatic corps with all serious mien.
Digong further added: “Maybe I will go also to Russia and talk to Putin (forgetting to say, President or Mr. or any similar word of respect)”. He topped it with a statement pregnant with multiple meaning, “We are now three against the world”, referring to himself, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jin Ping of China. They are the world’s mavericks. It is reminiscent of the then axis powers of Germany, Italy and Japan during WWII. I wonder what the Philippines can offer on the table!
The USA, through the State Department spokesperson John Kirby, immediately asked for official explanation on what Duterte means. Kirby said that the statement of DU30 “is inexplicably at odds with the close relationships of the US and the Philippines in many aspects not only security”
Most people were caught by surprise. According to many Pinoys, including those whom I know, it’s alright to be a friend of China but not to severe ties with a long time ally, the USA. If the Philippine Stock Exchange will not experience or suffer a price letdown in the immediate future, the pronouncement of the president may not have an adverse effect on the Philippine economy in general.
It is possible that the remark is one of those instances when Philippine officials will do damage control, as they were not able to prevent it. It is also possible that President Digong blurted out the idea to ingratiate himself to his Chinese hosts, and get some favors in return.
How, in heaven’s name, can such utterance affect us even in the Cordilleras? If the pivot to China, and out of USA’s orbit is true then we can rightfully be concerned about our kababayans in America, Canada and even our OFWs around the world where America’s influence is great. It may mean undue harassment, reduced employment opportunities, and discrimination. It may be goodbye to an American Dream for many Filipino dreamers.
The Americans have been used to taking advantage of our colonial mentality, and there’s the rub. Because of such mentality, we are taken for granted so many times. They give us, for example, a half-century old warship as an aid, and we thank the high heavens for such “generosity”. Such a mendicancy attitude is never lost to the Americans. Nor to others. An acquaintance (not an American) smilingly boasted to me last week that “we, white foreigners, are given special attention here in the country”. They have exploited that for so long! There is always, however, a time to wake up from a long stupor.
But let me be clear about this. Although such American attitude is revolting, it does not sit well to sideline the country who had nevertheless provided us with help in times of need– in many aspects of Philippine life. Like it or not, there are a lot of past and on-going Philippine-American partnerships that had benefitted many of us. Our relationship with USA was closely nurtured for more than a century. Any relationship that was developed that long and quickly dissipated at the flick of a finger will always be followed by a lot of difficulties, with a possibility of being prolonged.
Some may argue that our ties with China commenced centuries earlier. Well, they gave us Filipino-Chinese businessmen who are now lording over everything in the Philippines. They have flooded our markets with their products and they have controlled the local illegal drug business. Officially? Your guess is as good as mine.
It would have been better to strongly prove that we want “independence” from undue US influence but not to separate from them. This is mutually beneficial. This tact is what the Israelis are doing. Meanwhile, we can build much stronger ties with other countries like China and Russia. Or, we can follow what Inida did earlier during the cold war. It declared neutrality as it followed a path of policy independent from any country. That way, we can be friends with everybody, on a reduced scale.
The stance of President Duterte may also alienate Japan who is trying to help us build a stronger armed forces. It may hamper, for instance, our Coast Guard modernization program.
The question now is what can we benefit from our pivot to China? According to reports, the huge Philippine business delegation that accompanied President Digong is talking of about bringing home about $13.5B investments from China. They are also talking about $9B China commitment to finance Philippine infrastructure development and internet enhancement. They are all promises of course.
It was also bruted about that Philippine agriculture will also benefit from the visit and pivot to China. Developmental assistance would be forthcoming according to them. This maybe doubtful considering that China is the source of vegetables smuggled into the country.
Are we ready for a China pivot? At what great price?
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