Philippines can’t deny ‘shared DNA’ with Beijing even as South China Sea sours ties: Marcos Jnr

The Philippines is one of several countries caught up in territorial conflicts with China over the disputed sea, with Manila accusing Beijing of committing aggressive acts inside the maritime boundaries of its exclusive economic zone and targeting its fishermen.

Marcos Jnr, however, said he would “not mind” if the Philippines returned to harmony with China, referencing their long history, including the establishment of bilateral relations in 1976 and their 600-year trading relationship.

“If we are to examine DNA, there are very few Filipinos with no Chinese DNA. My family actually makes much of the fact that we have, within our family tree, an infamous Chinese pirate who used to operate within the waters of the then South China Sea. That cannot be discounted,” he said.

“And that has always been part of our thinking as we look to China.”

He pointed out there were as many Chinese investments and nationals in the Philippines as there were Chinese-Filipinos who were born in China.

Marcos Jnr said despite the skirmishes in the South China Sea, the Philippines recognised China as an “important neighbour and partner”.

But working with Beijing did not mean working in a “vacuum” and so Manila would continue to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and modernise the armed forces.

“It [Aukus] follows a very simple basic principle that a coalition is – because it has a larger base – much more robust in resisting any kind of unilateral move by any other country. I think [Aukus] strengthens the position of Asia, of Asean, of the Indo-Pacific, when we are confronted with challenges and threats,” he said.

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When asked about his