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MANILA (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday for a state visit aimed at advancing the strategic breakthroughs under the leadership of Manila that favored Beijing in the hope of receiving billions of dollars in loans and investments.
FILE PHOTO – Chinese President Xi Jinping participates in the retreat at the APEC Summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on November 18, 2018. REUTERS / David Gray
Xi's visit comes two years after his Philippine counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte, said he was reorienting his US foreign policy to China, despite decades of mistrust and sharp maritime disputes with Beijing.
In a commentary published Monday in the Philippine Star newspaper, Xi congratulated Duterte. He described the relationships as "a rainbow after the rain" and repeatedly called for "proper management" of lines on the South China Sea.
But Duterte's style of conduct frustrated the nationalists, who were docile in refusing to criticize the strengthening of the Chinese army or wanting to comply with a 2016 arbitral award that had invalidated his claim for almost all of the waterway.
Public opinion is largely in favor of the presidency of Duterte, but the polls constantly state reservations about its policy in China and disdain for the United States.
A survey of social weather stations released on Monday showed that 84 percent of Filipinos felt it was unfair not to oppose the militarization of China through its artificial islands, and 86 percent said it was right to reinforce the Philippine army, especially the navy.
The poll of 1,200 people at the end of September also showed that trust in the United States remained "very good", but China was considered "poor".
A small demonstration took place in front of the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday.
Questioned Tuesday about the investigation, spokesman President Salvador Panelo said Duterte's strategy was to avoid a "hell" of conflict while reaping the benefits of improving business.
"They are not aware of the true geopolitics of the region. The president is a very cautious diplomat, "Panelo told the ANC news channel.
"Rather than provoke, he would prefer to speak with them and establish business relations that will benefit this country."
Panelo admitted that these benefits, including the promised $ 24 billion in loans and investments, had not yet materialized, but added that Duterte was not afraid to speak out.
"It's the best time for the president to put pressure on the Chinese president," he said. "Know this man, he will do it, he is that kind of person."
Duterte praised Xi for supporting his infrastructure program, although only three dozens of such projects have started.
Some analysts say that Duterte may seem like he's been fooled to make concessions.
Other Filipino experts believe that delays in obtaining a Chinese credit could be a blessing given the potential burden of debt, echoing a warning issued by US Vice President Mike pence.
