China Trade Predated Philippine Colonizers

President Duterte's pivot to China as part of his more independent foreign policy is generally aimed at reviving centuries old trade relationship with the now second largest economy in the world. The Philippine-China trade connections in the past have flourished and waned, but when fully restored would greatly contribute in hastening the growth and maturity of the Philippine economy.

Trade contacts between Filipino and Chinese businessmen actually predated the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the Philippines. In a Philippine Studies prepared by Ateneo de Manila University, it was cited that these peoples traded as early as the 10th century. Early trading sites were traced not only at Paranaque in Metro Manila but also in such places as Calatagan in Batangas, Jolo in Sulu and in Pangasinan among others. Included in the traded products were porcelain, cloth, pearl, tools and other goods made of metals such as gold and iron. The trading activities flourished during the Tang Dynasty and lasted until the 14th century and the subsequent arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippine Archipelago. The golden age of Philippine-China trade indeed peaked during the Spanish colonization - for its having been a component of the Spanish Galleon Trade between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico.

China's role as a major trading partner of Filipinos slowly waned during the American colonization of the Philippines. During the period, Philippine industries were developed in order to meet American demand for goods such as sugar, tobacco, metal and wood products, grains and hemp among others. At the same time, the Filipinos were introduced by the Americans to western goods and products. The new arrangement ultimately resulted into the complete pivot of Philippine trade towards the West, which persisted until after the US granted independence to the Philippines.

Because of the Philippines' trade focus to the West, the opportunities presented by China's rise early in the 21st century as the world's second largest economy were neglected. For decades, the vast China market was largely unexploited by the Philippines, and, their bilateral trade lagged behind China's trade with other Southeast Asian countries. Duterte's rise to the Presidency this year finally recognized the necessity of distancing from the Philippine trade dependency to Western states in order to attain greater economic growth. While this move is suspected by some quarters as a sign of changing Philippine alliances, common sense dictates that Duterte is only opting for what is best for his country.

By looking back at the history of the country, the new Philippine leadership now sees a very promising route in charting a flourishing future. The road maybe paved with thorns, but Duterte believes it's better than one adorned with American roses that may lead to perdition. After all, if his Western Allies are sincere friends and would extend support, his chosen route could only broaden and strengthen all relationships and alliances.