Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations with China during an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Day gathering in Hong Kong on Sunday, November 8.
Addressing Filipino migrant workers, she warned that deteriorating ties between Manila and Beijing could jeopardize the livelihoods and businesses of thousands of Filipinos working in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China.
”Kapag nasira yung relasyon ng Pilipinas at ng China, ay mawawalan ng negosyo at trabaho yung ating mga kababayan,” Duterte said.
”Kaya kailangan talaga na i-maintain iyong good relations sa People’s Republic of China,” she added.
Prioritizing National Interest and Migrant Welfare
Duterte stated that the Philippines’ independent foreign policy must center strictly on national interests and constructive engagement with nations worldwide.
”At hindi lang sa China, kundi sa lahat ng iba’t-ibang bansa. Kasi meron tayong independent foreign policy. Ibig sabihin, ang interest lang ng Pilipinas ang ating pino-promote at nasa interes natin na maganda ang relasyon natin sa People’s Republic of China,” Duterte said.
She acknowledged existing territorial disagreements over the West Philippine Sea but argued that maritime disputes should not overshadow broader bilateral cooperation, noting the vital economic opportunities China provides for OFWs.
“Meron tayong problema, totoo. Pero meron ibang aspeto ang relasyon natin. Tulad ng nasa inyo ang marami kababayan namin na nagta-trabaho, nagne-negosyo dahil hindi namin maibigay bilang isang bansa yung trabaho at oportunidad na hinahanap ng mga kababayan namin,” she added.
Highlighting military and geopolitical realities, Duterte stressed the necessity of a balanced approach to foreign policy.
”Totoo man, meron tayong girian sa West Philippine Sea pero kapag iniisip ng pamahalaan, gaano ba kalaki ang baril ko? [showing her pinky finger] Kalaban [showing her fist] Ulo pa lang, pinupukpok na yan, maliit mo na baril. Nang ulo pa lang ng baril niya, ha? Wala pa ito [showing her arm]. Di ba? Kaya kailangan, bina-balanse lagi yan,” Duterte said.
Diplomatic Solutions for Territorial Disputes
Duterte advocated for handling territorial conflicts through formal diplomatic channels rather than confrontational rhetoric, suggesting specialized teams be sent for negotiations.
”Hindi kita aawayin para lang sa territorial dispute. Ang ginagawa dapat diyan ay bumuo ng isang team ng mga diplomats. At yun ang ay ipadala mo doon sa kung saan man nila gusto makipag-usap,” Duterte said.
She concluded by underscoring that government actions must consistently serve the broader national interest rather than specific political or foreign agendas.
“Dapat tinutulak lagi ng pamahalaan ang interes ng Pilipinas sa lahat ng relasyon nito,” Duterte said.
“Hindi natin dapat buhat-buhat ang interes ng isang politiko lamang, isang negosyante lamang, o interes ng ibang dayuhan,” she added.