NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Zubiri Calls For Exclusion Of Chinese Contractors In Infrastructure Projects
Photo credit: Senate PH
Filipino taxpayers unknowingly support China's assertive actions in the West Philippine Sea through the government's continued collaboration with Chinese contractors on major public infrastructure projects across the nation.
Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has escalated his previous proposal to boycott Chinese products, now urging the exclusion of Chinese contractors from infrastructure projects funded by Filipino taxpayers.
He emphasized that several projects, managed by state-owned Chinese companies, contribute to the bullying of Filipino citizens in the West Philippine Sea.
Zubiri's stance aligns with his condemnation of China's incursions into Philippine territory. He referenced the recent incident involving the Philippine Coast Guard's water cannon on a supply run to a grounded vessel in Ayungin Shoal.
The Senate President underscored that numerous public projects involve Chinese contractors overseen by various government agencies.
The senator urged government agencies like the Department of Transportation to reconsider awarding projects to Chinese contractors, suggesting instead that such contracts be given to countries like Japan and South Korea, known for their friendly relations and development aid to the Philippines.
Zubiri drew attention to Vietnam's strategy of diversifying its trading partners, proposing that the Philippines emulate this approach to mitigate potential economic impacts. Currently, the Philippines has a substantial trade imbalance with China, emphasizing the need to explore alternate trade agreements.
In light of available data, it's revealed that the Philippines' exports to China amount to $15.1 billion, constituting 16.5% of total exports, while imports from China total $48.9 billion, contributing to a trade imbalance of $33.8 billion.
Zubiri's call to reconsider collaboration with Chinese contractors reflects the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and underscores the importance of exploring alternative partnerships for national development.
Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has escalated his previous proposal to boycott Chinese products, now urging the exclusion of Chinese contractors from infrastructure projects funded by Filipino taxpayers.
He emphasized that several projects, managed by state-owned Chinese companies, contribute to the bullying of Filipino citizens in the West Philippine Sea.
Zubiri's stance aligns with his condemnation of China's incursions into Philippine territory. He referenced the recent incident involving the Philippine Coast Guard's water cannon on a supply run to a grounded vessel in Ayungin Shoal.
The Senate President underscored that numerous public projects involve Chinese contractors overseen by various government agencies.
The senator urged government agencies like the Department of Transportation to reconsider awarding projects to Chinese contractors, suggesting instead that such contracts be given to countries like Japan and South Korea, known for their friendly relations and development aid to the Philippines.
Zubiri drew attention to Vietnam's strategy of diversifying its trading partners, proposing that the Philippines emulate this approach to mitigate potential economic impacts. Currently, the Philippines has a substantial trade imbalance with China, emphasizing the need to explore alternate trade agreements.
In light of available data, it's revealed that the Philippines' exports to China amount to $15.1 billion, constituting 16.5% of total exports, while imports from China total $48.9 billion, contributing to a trade imbalance of $33.8 billion.
Zubiri's call to reconsider collaboration with Chinese contractors reflects the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and underscores the importance of exploring alternative partnerships for national development.
Aug 12, 2023
