What's the deal with Beijing?

By Francisco S. Tatad

Jan 04, 2023 12:05 am

FIRST THINGS FIRST

PRESIDENT Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (BBM) flew to Beijing Tuesday in a bid to improve ties with China, despite its worrisome conduct in the West Philippine Sea, which has increasingly triggered protests from Manila and drawn the United States and other countries into the debate.

BBM will have to play a balancing act between China and the US as he tries to calm down the tension in the area and operationalize his foreign policy vision of being 'a friend to all and an enemy to none.' It won't be a walk in the park.

The national flags of the Philippines and China are seen together near the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit. AFP PHOTO

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

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