MANILA, Philippines – Nagpahayag ng suporta ang ilang business, labor, industry at civil society organizations sa bansa sa panawagan ng Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) para sa patuloy na dialogue at kooperasyon sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at China.
Sa joint statement, pinuri ng mga grupo ang kamakailang pakikipag-usap ni DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro kay Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at sinabing ang usapang ito ay nagpapakita ng pagnanais ng ahensya sa principled diplomacy sa “top trading partner” ng bansa.
“We recognize the DFA’s pragmatic and statesmanlike approach in protecting the country’s national interests, particularly its economic development, trade and exports, tourism, overseas Filipino workers, and other vital bilateral engagements with China, the Philippines’ largest trading partner,” saad sa pahayag ng mga grupo.
Ang mga ito ay ipinunto ng grupo kasabay ng tumitinding global economic competition.
Idinagdag pa na ang paggiit sa soberanya at interes ng bansa ay maaaring isabay sa pag-abot naman ng mutually beneficial economic opportunities kasama ang China sa pamamagitan ng constructive engagement.
“We therefore support the DFA’s pursuit of principled diplomacy and sustained dialogue over confrontation, recognizing that a balanced and constructive relationship with China is essential to advancing Philippine economic security, national interests, and sustainable development,” dagdag ng grupo.
Ang joint statement ay pinirmahan ng mga sumusunod na organisasyon:
Asian Association of Academic Administrators and Educators Inc. (A4E)
Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP)
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
Federation of Free Workers (FFW)
Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI)
Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP)
GS1 Philippines
OFW Foundation
Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA)
Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON)
Philippine Association of Salt Industry Networks Inc. (PhilASIN)
Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI)
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)
Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX)
Philippine Franchise Association (PFA)
Philippine Retailers Association (PRA)
Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA)
Semiconductor and Electronic Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI)
Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBiz)
Noong Miyerkules ay nakipag-usap si Lazaro kay Wang Yi at inilarawan ang meeting bilang isang “frank and constructive discussion on the direction of Philippines-China relations.”
Ayon kay Lazaro, inihayag ng Pilipinas at China ang pangangailangan para sa “continued diplomatic dialogue and proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect.” RNT/JGC
