Exclusive | With guns out in South China Sea row with China, Philippines eyes ‘robust, stable’ trade ties

Durian demand and Chinese investors’ interest in the Philippines’ green-energy sectors seen as promising opportunities, according to China-based diplomats from the Southeast Asian nation

But analyst says that while China has ‘other trade options available’, there is a lack of ‘desirable trade alternatives’ for the Philippines

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Philippine durians, showcased here at the China International Import Expo, are expected to help boost trade between the two countries. Photo: X

Published: 4:00pm, 3 Jun 2024Updated: 4:07pm, 3 Jun 2024

Despite recent tensions between China and the Philippines, with the two sides increasingly squaring off over sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, diplomats are hoping to stem the tide of declining trade.

The Southeast Asian country will continue exploring the Chinese market’s interest in tropical agricultural products – including coconuts and highly sought-after durians – and wants to become more attractive to investors in sectors that China has seen come under mounting pressure from Western countries, according to a pair of Philippine diplomats based in China.

And they said these areas could include renewable energy, green metals manufacturing, agribusiness and food process, as well as electric vehicles and lithium batteries that have faced scrutiny from Western countries.

“The Philippines is committed to encouraging stable relations and close communication with regard to any issues related to bilateral trade and investments,” Emmanuel Ang, commercial counsellor of the Philippine embassy in China, told the Post by email.

“We anticipate that our trade relationship with our largest trading partner will remain robust, stable and steadily growing in the coming years.”

02:37

Philippine admiral at centre of ‘new deal’ saga breaks silence on alleged South China Sea pact

The comments came as bilateral relations recently took another hit from Beijing’s fresh allegations in the territorial face-off at sea – contending that troops stationed on a grounded Philippine warship on a disputed reef in the South China Sea pointed guns at a Chinese coastguard patrol last month.