Sara Duterte says PH should maintain good relations with China

MANILA — The Philippines should maintain good relations with China, Vice President Sara Duterte said in her recent visit to Filipinos in Hong Kong.

Duterte was in Hong Kong for a series of events from Nov. 6 to 8, 2026.

“Kapag nasira yung relasyon ng Pilipinas at ng China, ay mawawalan ng negosyo at trabaho yung ating mga kababayan. Kaya kailangan talaga na i-maintain yong good relations sa People’s Republic of China,” Duterte told OFWs in her visit.

Duterte noted that the Philippines has an independent foreign policy, which meant that only its interests should be promoted.

“Nasa interest natin na maganda ang relasyon natin sa People’s Republic of China,” she said.

Duterte acknowledged the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, which she said should be balanced with other interests.

“Baka hindi namin maibigay bilang isang bansa yung trabaho at oportunidad na hinahanap ng mamamayan namin. So hindi kita aawayin para lang sa territorial dispute,” she said.

“Ang ginagawa dapat dyan ay bumuo ng isang team ng mga diplomats. At yung ay ipadala mo doon sa kung saan man nila gusto makipag-usap,” Duterte added.

Relations between Manila and Beijing have been tense recently due to an exchange of remarks from Philippine and Chinese embassy officials.

“Dapat tinutulak lagi ng pamahalaan ang interes ng Pilipinas sa lahat ng relasyon nito. Hindi natin dapat buhat-buhat ang interes ng isang politiko lamang, isang negosyante lamang, o interes ng ibang dayuhan,” Duterte said.

Marcos is set to visit Shenzhen, China to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting later this month.