Tsinoy biz groups call for ‘de-escalation’

This frame grab from handout video footage taken and released on April 30, 2024, by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Bagacay (center) being hit by water cannons from Chinese Coast Guard vessels near the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea.  —photo by handout/Philippine Coast Guard/Armed Forces of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the worsening maritime dispute between the Philippines and China, a coalition of 33 Chinese-Filipino business and civic organizations, led by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), on Tuesday appealed for a de-escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The group issued a joint statement to express support for President Marcos’ diplomatic approach to the problem.

“We endorse his desire for a peaceful resolution of the foregoing, to choose earnest dialogue, and pray for a de-escalation of tensions between our two countries,” the statement read, appealing to the governments of the Philippines and China “to consider paths that will safeguard the peace, order, and safety of both countries and its peoples.”

READ: West Philippine Sea: Filipino sailors fought armed CCGs ‘with bare hands’

‘Intrusive patrols’

The call for de-escalation followed a series of incidents in the disputed waters, including a recent collision where a Filipino sailor reportedly lost a finger when a Chinese boat rammed a Philippine vessel during a resupply mission, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirming the presence of a large China Coast Guard vessel near the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla described the presence of the Chinese vessel as part of “intrusive patrols” asserting “unlawful claims” within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Proposal

The business groups emphasized the importance of dialogue and harmony over conflict and highlighted the long-standing cultural and economic ties between the two nations, urging both sides to refrain from actions that could further inflame the situation.

They proposed establishing a neutral, diplomatic venue for discussions cognizant of mutual respect.

“In these tumultuous times, with rising tensions in other parts of the world, let us not risk the unity that has prevailed in our Asian region for hundreds of years,” it noted. The group also cited the connection between the Philippines and China that is found in the cultural affinities, family ties, and substantial economic partnerships.

“As such, we implore both sides to refrain from actions or declarations that will only fuel the already precarious situation,” the group pleaded.

Worried about investors

FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro warned of the impact of the heightened tensions to existing businesses as well as potential future investors in the Philippines.

“This a serious threat, when businesses are in serious threat and they feel afraid, insecure… we will not expand, we will not move here in the Philippines. There are other places in the world to look into,” Pedro said during one of the panel discussions at a conference held by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

China is the Philippines’ fourth biggest export market by country, accounting for 14.8 percent or $10.86 billion of the total outbound shipments, according to December 2023 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The East Asian country was also the top source of goods by country, comprising 23.3 percent or $29.82 billion of the Philippines’ imported goods during the same year.