New Era University

College of Arts and Sciences

No.9 Central Avenue, New Era, Quezon City 1107,
PhilippinesTel. No.: (02) 8981-4221 to 4231 loc 3815
E-mail: @neu.edu.ph

Name: Justin M. Pimentel Date: March 8, 2023

Year &Section: 2- PA

1. Using both printed and electronics media, research on the current relationship between China
and the Philippines. Consider the economic, political, and social factors. Discuss the impact of
Chinese culture on contemporary Philippine society and compare it with the impact of Chinese
culture on 19th century Philippines. (Use PDF file)

The Current Relationship between China and the Philippines

The political relationship between China and the Philippines are complicated wherever
perspective you look at it. For normal citizens, especially Filipino fishermen affected by Chinese
presence in west Philippine Sea are unhappy with the Philippine Government’s policies in dealing
with it. As the Philippines didn’t take any action to claim the West Philippine Sea even though
under international law, China has zero claim on it. Diplomatically, there are already several
representatives from both countries that visited one another for negotiations in their respective
foreign policies this year alone.
As different countries in Southeast Asia such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines
experienced acts of aggression from China, there are recent news where defense ministers of
the United States and the Philippines discussed ways to deepen cooperation. This includes plan
to resume joint maritime activities in the disputed waters and develop a Security Sector
Assistance Roadmap. Whether it is for the better of the Filipino people or not, external factors like
the USA’s involvement will surely add strain to the already complicated relationship between
Chinese and the Philippines.

The Impact of Chinese Culture on Contemporary and Present Philippine Society

Historically, the Chinese traders sailed to the Philippines way before the Spaniards did,
they brought porcelain and silk, in exchange for beeswax, deer horn and sea slug. Aside from
their import goods, they bring a lot of traditions and cultures that deeply embedded in our Filipino
culture. The terms ate and kuya are not native to the Philippines but derived from Chinese terms.
Culinary arts in the Philippines are also heavily inspired from Chinese ways of preparing food.
Last January 22, 2023 was the celebration of Chinese New Year here in the Philippines,
where you can buy tikoy, round fruits, watch Chinese shows such as dragon dancing, to celebrate
new year in their calendar. It is an evidence on the huge cultural impact on the present-day
Philippines. They are celebrated because of the number of China towns (and people) in the
country that could be found in main cities such as Manila, Iloilo, Davao and Cebu where you can
see Chinese arches built to commemorate the presence of Chinese people and culture in the
area.
REFERENCES:

Lee-Brago, P. (2022, September 4). “Philippines should proceed with West Philippine Sea

exploration without China.” Retrieved March 8, 2023, from Philstar.com website:

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/09/05/2207482/philippines-should-proceed-west-philippine-sea-

exploration-without-china

Lendon, B., & Stewart, M. (2023, March 8). Exclusive: China’s “attacks” unite region against

Beijing, US ambassador to Japan says. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from CNN website:

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/08/asia/us-ambassador-japan-emanuel-interview-intl-hnk/index.html

Fernandez, D. (2023, February). Bongbong Marcos, Chinese envoy discuss sea rift after laser beam attack.

Retrieved March 8, 2023, from INQUIRER.net website: https://globalnation.inquirer.net/210988/marcos-jr-

chinese-envoy-discuss-maritime-differences

Chinatowns in PH. (2015, February 19). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from RAPPLER website:

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/84416-chinatown-philippines/

Purdue. (2014). Purdue Filipino Association. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from Purdue Filipino Association website:

https://purduefilipino.com/filipino-

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