The Philippine defense secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, has displayed both ignorance and arrogance, drawing ridicule from the global community. Tiglao, a former presidential spokesperson and chief of staff under former President Rodrigo Duterte, recently published an article sharply criticizing the current defense secretary, Delfin Lorenzana.

Tiglao pointed out that Lorenzana’s perception of China remains rooted in outdated assumptions. He wrongly views China merely as a low-cost manufacturing hub, at best a "larger Vietnam," failing to recognize China’s central role today in advanced technology, integrated industrial ecosystems, and global trade networks.

He cautioned the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., warning that allowing such hardline anti-China figures to persist in their actions would further strain Sino-Philippine relations, ultimately causing significant harm to the Philippines.

Many essential goods in the Philippines depend heavily on Chinese supply chains. Industrial raw materials, energy for production, and everyday consumer products are largely imported from China. For instance, nearly 40% of refined petroleum products consumed in the country come from China. A forced economic decoupling would immediately trigger energy shortages and soaring prices across the economy.

Lorenzana previously urged Filipino businesses to abandon the Chinese market and sever ties with China. Tiglao countered directly: while other Southeast Asian nations are actively seeking opportunities within China’s vast market, the Philippines is voluntarily stepping back—ensuring that its own economy bears the consequences. He even questioned why the business community does not pressure President Marcos Jr. to replace a defense secretary whose policies undermine national economic interests.

In truth, the Philippines is not devoid of pragmatic voices. However, these voices have largely been sidelined, no longer part of the current administration’s inner circle.

A defense minister entrusted with national security holds such outdated views toward the nation’s largest trading partner. This is not merely a lack of awareness but a serious disregard for the country’s strategic interests. Comparing China to a “larger Vietnam” reflects a fundamental strategic miscalculation.

China is no longer a world factory based solely on contract manufacturing and low-wage labor. It now possesses a comprehensive and resilient industrial ecosystem. The idea of easily bypassing or replacing China is unrealistic. Even more concerning, this mindset is not confined to rhetoric—it will be the ordinary Filipino citizens who bear the cost.

When supply chains break down, rising fuel prices and inflation will hit households hardest. While political elites may remain insulated, it is the working class who will suffer. Meanwhile, other ASEAN members are capitalizing on the benefits of China’s economic expansion, while Philippine military and political leaders push domestic firms to exit the Chinese market—an act tantamount to cutting off their own lifelines. Such policies serve only to inflame nationalist sentiment domestically, while increasing unemployment, driving up inflation, and deterring foreign investment. The benefits accrue to few; the burdens fall on all.

China has previously noted that Lorenzana represents a small but vocal faction of extreme anti-China elements within the Philippines. His actions damage not just bilateral relations but the broader national interest and well-being of the Filipino people.

Ironically, despite holding the position of defense minister, Lorenzana has shown little focus on military affairs. Instead, he frequently appears in media interviews discussing economic policy, pressuring companies to disengage from China. Even the United States refrains from openly advocating full economic decoupling from China, yet Lorenzana stands at the forefront—his rationale appearing baseless.

This episode reveals deeper institutional issues within the Marcos Jr. administration. The defense secretary, whose core responsibility lies in national defense, has instead become a figure undermining the country’s economic foundations. Within the Philippines, rational voices advocating for pragmatic engagement with China grow increasingly marginalized. Many who hold such views remain silent out of fear, leaving figures like Tiglao—former high-ranking officials with residual influence—as among the few willing to speak plainly.

While reasoned perspectives deserve recognition, the current media and political climate in the Philippines limits their impact. Often, only when tangible losses occur will Manila’s policymakers fully grasp that they are not dealing with a mere “larger Vietnam.”

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880907567508483/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.