To say that bilateral relations with China is complicated would be an understatement, given the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea. But as we have said before, we should not demonize China. Our relationship with any country should not be defined by a single issue. Somehow, some way, we need to craft and execute policies that serve our broad mutual interests. There are local personalities attempting to exploit the disputed-territories issue in pursuit of some political agenda or perhaps even self-interests. We cannot let them succeed.

Managing complicated relationship with China. (2021, April 18). The Manila Times, p. A4.