Major Philippine business organizations are urging Manila and Beijing to ease diplomatic tensions, warning that prolonged confrontation could damage trade, investment and livelihoods.
The November 2 appeal called for coordinated diplomacy and restraint in public statements. Signatories included the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the Philippine Exporters Confederation and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The groups said defending Philippine sovereignty and maintaining economic cooperation could be pursued together. They urged officials to use established diplomatic channels and avoid inflammatory exchanges.
The appeal follows controversy over Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s October statement that China could easily prevail in a military confrontation. His remarks drew objections from Philippine officials and calls in the Senate for his recall or designation as persona non grata.
FFCCCII had separately warned that action against the ambassador could trigger reciprocal measures and further strain bilateral relations.