Twenty business, labor, industry, and civil society organizations are urging the Marcos administration to pursue sustained economic cooperation with China, citing the importance of protecting trade and investment opportunities amid global economic uncertainty.
In a joint statement issued on November 7, the groups encouraged the government to deepen cooperation with Beijing in areas such as trade, technology, infrastructure, tourism, and investment. They noted that other Southeast Asian countries are also strengthening their economic partnerships with China.
The organizations expressed support for Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro’s efforts to maintain diplomatic dialogue with Beijing, including her recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They said continued engagement could help safeguard Philippine interests in exports, tourism, economic development, and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
At the same time, the groups emphasized that closer economic ties should not come at the expense of the country’s sovereignty and national interests. They called for a balanced approach that combines constructive diplomacy with strategic diversification and stronger domestic industries.
Among the signatories are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, and Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, along with other sectoral organizations.