Rocky waters into strained ties

Leean Alejo

With the ongoing disputes regarding the West Philippine Sea and racial remarks between the Philippines and China, their relationship remains complicated. However, before issues such as maritime confrontations arose, the two countries shared centuries of trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. 

This raises one question: “What really happened between the Philippines and China?”

Partners from the start

The Philippines and China have traded with one another since pre-colonial times.  Chinese goods such as silk, porcelain, tea, and other products were exchanged for local resources like gold, pearls, and agricultural products. China has also become one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners and an important source of imports, exports, tourism, and infrastructure investments. 

Eventually, many Chinese traders settled in the Philippines, establishing communities that contributed significantly to the country’s economy through trade and commerce. Over time, they influenced various aspects of Filipino culture and society by introducing traditions, customs, and culinary practices that became part of everyday life. One lasting example of this cultural influence is the widespread celebration of Chinese New Year, which is now recognized and celebrated by many Filipinos across the country. 

In addition, formal diplomatic relations between the two began in 1975, from the presidency of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Despite other political disputes, the two countries maintained their economic cooperation through trade, investments, and partnerships. Since then, relations between the two countries have continued through different administrations, including that of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Despite ongoing political disagreements, particularly over the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and China have maintained economic partnerships through trade, investment, and other forms of cooperation.

A significant issue between the Philippines and China is the West Philippine Sea (WPS). It serves as an important route for trade and a source of natural resources. Despite the WPS connecting the two countries, the competition for territorial claims has caused ongoing political and maritime disputes between the two countries. 

What went wrong

While the Philippines has rights over the area under its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), China continues to assert its Nine-Dash Line claim despite the 2016 ruling that it lacks legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China, however, claims almost the entire South China Sea through its Nine-Dash Line, which overlaps with the maritime zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The Nine-Dash Line is China’s claim to most of the South China Sea, but in 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that it has no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s broad maritime claims had no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite this ruling, China rejected the decision and has continued to assert its claims in the disputed waters.

The dispute is significant because of the West Philippine Sea’s abundant natural resources and strategic location. The area contains rich fishing grounds that provide food and livelihoods for millions of people. Furthermore, the South China Sea is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, carrying a large share of global trade each year. Its strategic location also makes it important for regional security and freedom of navigation.

Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard has reported incidents involving Chinese coast guard ships causing havoc to Philippine vessels, causing maritime confrontations regarding the WPS.

Both countries continue to dispute each other’s claims, making the issue a major concern for regional peace, international law, and cooperation. 

The Philippine Coast Guard has reported incidents involving Chinese coast guard ships using water cannons, dangerous blocking maneuvers, and alleged ramming of Philippine vessels. Close confrontations have also occurred during Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. These incidents have raised concerns about maritime safety and increased tensions between the two countries.

China, on the other hand, argues that Philippine vessels have entered waters that it considers to be under its jurisdiction and accuses the Philippines of provoking the confrontations. Both governments continue to dispute each other’s accounts of these incidents, making the conflict more difficult to resolve. As competing claims persist, the West Philippine Sea remains a major geopolitical issue that affects regional peace, international law, and cooperation among countries in Southeast Asia.

Political disagreements to racist remarks

Amid the WPS conflict, a Chinese media outlet released an AI-generated video portraying Filipinos as monkeys, criticized as racist and dehumanizing. While China stated it was not an official government position, however, such incidents may increase tensions despite continued peaceful exchanges. Philippine officials said that disagreements over territorial issues should never justify attacks on the dignity of an entire people. China’s Foreign Ministry later said the video did not represent an official government position.

However, incidents like this can cause deeper conflicts between ordinary citizens, even though many Filipinos and Chinese people continue to interact peacefully through business, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.

What should be done

The Philippines and China have a long history of trade and people-to-people connections. Although the West Philippine Sea dispute remains one of Asia’s most difficult geopolitical challenges, many argue that diplomacy, adherence to international law, and sustained dialogue offer the best chance of preventing further escalation while protecting each country’s interests. 

Currently, the ongoing issues and conflicts between the two countries have raised concerns among their citizens, especially fishermen, whose safety and livelihoods are directly affected. As tensions continue, many people wonder whether the conflict could eventually escalate into war or if a peaceful resolution can still be achieved.