Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 2) – The strengthening of bilateral ties will be front and center of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Beijing beginning Tuesday. Talks would include cooperation in terms of the economy, trade and investment, and, most likely, maritime security.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs considers the great significance of the trip. With both Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping getting fresh mandates from recent elections, there is an expectation that the state visit will set the tone for bilateral relations between the two countries for years to come.
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The bilateral agreements to be signed during Marcos’ state visit to China include trade and investment, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, people-to-people exchanges, and maritime security.
READ: Over 10 bilateral agreements eyed between PH, China during Marcos’ state visit – DFA
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For some analysts the state visit will indicate President Marcos’ foreign policy direction.
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“The trip is also a test of PBBM’s diplomatic acumen because, for China, our relationship with the US is too close. They think we are pivoting towards the US so PBBM will have to convince China, and we have an independent foreign policy and we are not taking sides,” said Beijing-based journalist Benjamin Lim.
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The president is expected to raise concerns about the West Philippine Sea in his meeting with Xi.
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Both sides will also sign a deal to avoid miscommunication in the disputed area.
READ: PH, China to sign deal to avoid miscommunication over West PH Sea – DFA
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“The ball is in their court. They have to be the one to act fairly. How can you negotiate properly? It’s like you’re negotiating under conditions of coercion and duress. Hindi tama ‘yun [That’s not right]. Nothing will happen if China is really sincere and want to show good faith,” said maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal.
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In December, senators slammed China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea.
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China maintains the maritime issue is not the sum of the relationship between the two countries.
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“It’s normal to have differences among neighbors. Do not allow the differences to effect or hijack our bilateral relations because we need to get along in a peaceful manner,” said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.
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Some analysts say the country should not discount the influence of China in the region and its contribution to economic recovery.
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