Groups urge stronger economic ties with China

TWENTY business, labor, industry and civil society organizations have urged the Philippines to pursue stronger economic engagement with China, warning that the country could miss out on trade and investment opportunities as other Southeast Asian nations deepen their partnerships with Beijing. In a joint statement issued over the weekend, the groups backed the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) push for sustained dialogue and cooperation with China, saying constructive engagement was important to protecting Philippine economic interests while upholding the country’s sovereignty. The organizations commended Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro for her recent engagement with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi…