Manila, Philippines
Written by: Vikrant Singh
Updated: December 23, 2023, 02:54 PM
The article presents a timeline of key events in 2023 that shaped relations between China and the Philippines.
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Victory in the Philippine Presidential Election in May 2022
The election victory of the son of the late Philippine dictator, bearing his father’s name, came as a shock to the West and a golden opportunity for China.
The son of the late Philippine dictator was portrayed by Western media as pro-China and anti-US.
“Why the Philippine Elections Could Be a Win for China,” commented CNN in a lengthy article.
2023 Witnessed the Rise of Xi Jinping’s Biggest Rival – Bongbong Marcos
Marcos turned out to be the most significant and boldest rival to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, especially regarding his fair claim to a portion of the South China Sea, which China had increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past ten months.
Let’s take a look at the major events of 2023 that significantly shaped relations between China and the Philippines.
January 2023: Marcos’s Visit to Beijing
The year began on a positive note for bilateral relations.
On his first trip outside Southeast Asia, Marcos arrived in Beijing in January to affirm Manila’s commitment to continue the pro-China policy of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
The visit was deemed a success by the Bongbong administration, with three significant agreements reached with Beijing:
1) $22 billion in investment commitments
2) Resolution of disputes in the South China Sea
3) Establishment of a new hotline between naval officers of the two countries
February 2023: Xi’s Backstab
In a shocking development weeks after his visit to Beijing, Marcos received news on February 6 that China had fired a “military-grade” laser at a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.
The vessel was on a supply mission for a stranded warship that Manila had used for years to assert its claim over Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
The laser was so powerful that it not only temporarily blinded the crew of the vessel but also opened Marcos’s eyes to China’s dangerous designs in Philippine waters.
The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before.
For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and a public complaint was made with strong words.
All the Chinese ambassador could say to the Philippine president was, “I thought… the Philippines was a friend of China.”
August 2023: When China “Cut” the Hotline
After months of heightened confrontations, a major Chinese incursion occurred on a morning in August.
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel attacked a Philippine Coast Guard vessel and fired water cannons at it.
When Philippine officials attempted to reach their Chinese counterparts via the newly established hotline, they found themselves completely sidelined.
Their calls were only answered after a long wait of up to six hours.
September 2023: Manila Responds in Kind
After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to respond in kind in September.
China had installed a 300-meter-long floating barrier in the West Philippine Sea, angering Marcos.
He ordered the Coast Guard to cut the barrier and return it to Manila, then publicly insulted China by showcasing it at a press conference and labeling it a “souvenir”.
This action left China embarrassed and observers stunned.
November 2022: The Belt and Road Initiative Destroyed
In November, the Philippines became the latest country to withdraw from China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
Marcos’s move could not have been more timely.
This came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders from 23 countries at a Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to give a new boost to the ambitious infrastructure plan that was already beginning to crumble.
December 2022: When China Crossed the Red Line
Marcos announced in December that relations with China were heading in a “bad direction” after Chinese coast guard vessels sprayed water cannons on a boat carrying the Philippine military chief.
The situation continued
The tense situation has lasted for two consecutive days.
Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed.
The spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Teresita Daza, said at a press conference on December 11 that the ambassador’s announcement is “something that should be taken seriously.”
The Philippines Turns to Its Democratic Allies
The country is now seeking to strengthen its relationships with democratic partners such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, India, and South Korea.
Marcos said in Tokyo during the Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month, “We need to bring about a change in the way we are dealing.”
There is also a signal that the Marcos Jr. administration may look to sign a reciprocal access agreement with Japan as soon as possible.
Philippine National Security Council Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that both Manila and Tokyo are eager to sign the agreement as soon as possible because it will significantly enhance maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The United States and the United Kingdom also condemned the recent Chinese aggression, with Washington firmly reaffirming its strong commitment to the Southeast Asian nation and pledging to defend it against any potential Chinese invasion.
2023 will go down in history as a turning point in relations between China and the Philippines.
Xi Jinping’s handling of China’s relations with its neighbors increasingly reveals the desperation of his regime to achieve geopolitical points abroad amid grim forecasts at home.
(With inputs from news agencies)
Vikrant Singh
A geopolitical writer at WION, monitoring Indian foreign policy and global politics, and a seeker of truth.
Source: WION
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