Edward Kenneth A.

Dragas
EL 50

BA Political Science
Prof. Wystan de la Pea

This has been quite a year for extraordinary political zeitgeist reversals in the Philippines, as few
would have expected it. Just in July, we celebrated that we won our case in the Hague as China
reacted with vehemence when the international tribunal favored our countrys complaint and
rubbished Chinas nine-dash claim in the West Philippine Sea. Yet just last week it is rolling
out the red carpet and openly welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte was being treated
like a king in his four-day state visit, along with his delegation composed mostly of businessmen.
In just a flick of a switch, Americas long time friend in South-East Asia appears to be attracting
its biggest rival to date, China.
What does this move mean when we analyze it from a language perspective? This move might
mean repercussions in the flow of westernised ideas here in our country. As President Duterte
distances itself from the US, he is bringing the whole country with him. Let us remember that
China has an imperialist agenda, an agenda in which they might impose their political will here
in our country. China has a vision for a free flow of trade in the whole of Asia and Europe so it
continues to ramp up its effort to bring countries to join their side to the rival US when it comes
to world influence. We might need to brush up our Mandarin if were ever going to change camp
and move to China.
Ironically, there has been a proposal to teach Mandarin in high school. At least two senators
(Sen. Angara and Sen. Cayetano) suggested that the Chinese and Spanish languages be included
in the K to 12 curricula, ironically a program known for promoting learning through our mother
tongue. If such bill will be passed, this would mean that every Filipino high school student would
have the ability to learn to speak at least basic Chinese.
This move would bring good news to the Chinese. Remember that relations suffered way back in
2012 after China harassed the Philippine navy out of the Scarborough Shoal, which is just over
200km from the Philippines proper, within its exclusive economic zone, yet almost 900km from
China. Filipino businesses have struggled in China, while little Chinese investment has come to
the Philippines. The tribunals ruling only made matters worse: afterward, China even made a
travel advisory warning its tourists to stay away from our country. During Pres. Aquinos term,
our country had been courageous in standing up to China. But it has paid a price. Now, as
Duterte ascended the throne, the rewards that China offers is way too irresistible to pass up.
Since our President wants lots of infrastructures, particularly building a new railway system.
China is offering cheap loans. He wants to reopen trade relations with them. For example, China
is offering to reopen its markets to Philippine fruit. They are supporting his bloody and costly
war on drugs. The recently built drug rehabilitation center was donated by a Chinese
businessman. These were the goodies China is giving and will be giving to the Philippines, to
persuade us to join their camp.

Yet, China is fully aware that Pres. Duterte does not solely decide on our nations foreign policy
and that every policy he proposes will have to go through the usual political processes here in
our country, as mandated by our constitution.
To sum it all up, it may be a reckless approach, but I do not necessarily think it is a lasting one.
For now, China wishes to bring our country into its camp, offering incentives in the process but
they will have to offer more than this to make any deal acceptable to Filipinos. Even Duterte
himself said that he will not surrender our claims into these disputed territories, for it will be an
act of treason and he might be impeached for it. So the Chinese idea of a package deal in
which Chinese sovereignty over the disputed territories is acknowledged in return for perks in
which we Filipinos had anyway long enjoyed will be greeted as an insult back here in our
country.
So, in short, we should just be patient. We wont be learning Chinese anytime soon.