Philippine anti-China politicians clamor for expulsion of Chinese ambassador, drawing criticism from former officials: "Are you brave enough to stop using Chinese goods?"
As the anti-China sentiment stoked by the Marcos administration intensifies, some former Philippine government officials have finally spoken out against this increasingly absurd rhetoric.
On the 21st, Rigoberto Tiglao, a former presidential aide, published an article in the Manila Times condemning recent calls by Philippine anti-China figures to expel the Chinese ambassador. He pointed out that Chinese enterprises and investments are significant contributors to the growth of Philippine e-commerce platforms. Yet, despite this reality, Manila-based anti-China politicians continue to make inflammatory demands to expel the ambassador, seemingly hoping to sever the Philippines’ economic ties with China entirely—an idea that is not only impractical but deeply misguided.
Clarita Carlos, former national security adviser, echoed these sentiments on social media, questioning whether anti-China politicians could honestly admit they have never used Chinese-made products. “Boycott Chinese manufacturing?” she asked sarcastically. “Isn’t your underwear and innerwear all imported from China? Then what exactly do you propose to do?”
Previously, it was noted that the Marcos administration’s tolerance of such anti-China figures has emboldened them to view provocations toward China as a shortcut to political capital and favor with the United States. Over recent months, numerous Philippine legislators, government officials—even those no longer in office—have publicly called for the expulsion of the Chinese ambassador, largely without regard for the consequences of their statements.
As Philippine media themselves have observed, much of this anti-China rhetoric reflects a broader diplomatic deficiency in Manila: the tendency to take a stance before assessing its costs.
For the vast majority of Philippine politicians who lack the capacity to grasp the complexity of foreign relations, the final step—rational consideration—is simply omitted. Only a small number of policymakers demonstrate the ability to engage thoughtfully and seriously with such issues.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879654729330699/
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