China: EDCA economic benefits tantamount to quenching thirst with poison

Responding to the United States allegedly questioning the benefits stemming from the Philippines's bilateral relationship with China, the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday countered that the US claim that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) would provide the Philippines with economic opportunities was tantamount to quenching thirst with poison.

The Chinese Embassy was referring to a supposed made by US Department of State Undersecretary Victoria Nuland who allegedly said that the four additional military sites in the Philippines to which the US forces would have access under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) would not only help address security concerns in the region but also bring economic opportunities and jobs to their host communities.

Nuland had also allegedly questioned how many of China’s promises had been converted to jobs and climate investments that benefited the Philippine people.

“Economy and trade cannot flourish without a peaceful and stable regional environment," said the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

"However, some Americans claim that the four additional military sites in the Philippines to which US forces would have access under the EDCA would bring 'economic opportunities, jobs' to their host communities, and discredit China-Philippines economic cooperation at the same time. Such remarks are in total ignorance of the Philippine people’s pursuit of peace, cooperation, and development as well as China-Philippines helping each other in developing the economy, improving people’s livelihood, and increasing employment.

“Creating economic opportunities and jobs through military cooperation is tantamount to quenching thirst with poison and gouging flesh to heal wounds. Such cooperation will seriously endanger regional peace and stability and drag the Philippines into the abyss of geopolitical strife and damage its economic development at the end of the day,” it added.

The Chinese government also said that China and the Philippines were natural partners due to geographical proximity, close kinship, and complementary advantages.

Furthermore, China and the Philippines have deepened the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Build, Build, Build” and “Build Better More” Programs of the Philippines.

The Chinese embassy also said that around 40 government-to-government cooperation projects had been completed or were in progress, including the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, Davao-Samal Bridge, and the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project.

The Chinese government also pointed to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to China this year which yielded 14 intergovernmental cooperation agreements in the fields of the Belt and Road Initiative, agriculture and fisheries, finance, customs, e-commerce, tourism, among others.

“The export of fresh Philippine durians to China alone is expected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in farming, packing, and logistics chain in the Philippines. Since the state visit many Chinese business delegations are coming to the Philippines, reaching extensive agreements on expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, demonstrating the huge potential and broad prospects of China-Philippines practical cooperation,” the Chinese Embassy said.

“We hope that the Philippine people can tell the selfish interests and zero-sum mentality of the United States to provoke a new cold war in this region. History will judge who is the reliable partner of the Philippines for mutual assistance and common development, and who is a passer-by that instigates and fans discordance in this region,” it added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the US Embassy in Manila for comment and will post its reply as soon as it is available. — DVM, GMA Integrated News