Rappler PLUS briefing: What do we know about China?

MANILA, Philippines – China is very much in our midst – whether as a neighbor that lends us money, or as a military giant that harasses us in our own waters, or as a nation that has sent its gamblers and unemployed workers to our country.

A Chinese vessel sank a Philippine fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea on June 9, an incident that has strained the ties of Manila and Beijing despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to downplay it. This merely heightened Filipinos’ distrust of China, coming in the wake of the influx of Chinese workers into the country through a number of Chinese investments and China-backed projects under the Duterte administration.

But what do we know about China beyond the headlines?

On Thursday, July 11, Rappler held an exclusive briefing on China at its headquarters in Pasig City.

Economist JC Punongbayan examined China’s rapid economic growth as well as its intentions in the Philippines. Rappler’s business reporter Ralf Rivas and foreign affairs correspondent Paterno Esmaquel II were also there for a back and forth with PLUS members after JC’s briefing. 

This is just the first part of our two-part series on China. On August 13, Tuesday, 5 pm, at the Rappler HQ, we will discuss the impact of China’s entry into the Philippines – especially in sectors such as labor, online gaming, and investments.

Catch the event and be part of our vibrant community by joining PLUS via rappler.com/plus.

Rappler PLUS members may view the livestream via the window above. – Rappler.com