The Philippine government could learn from Vietnam, which has maintained apparent neutrality in the Pacific region despite contradictory posturing by the United States and China, according to University of the Philippines professor Roland Simbulan.
Simbulan pointed out that while Vietnam shares a border and maintains commercial ties with China, it also has maritime difficulties with the country.
Bayan President Nato Reyes also recommended the Philippine government not be overly reliant on the United States and look for other countries, particularly those that do not want to establish military bases in the country.
Reyes cited former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani's desire to boost the Philippines' marine capabilities through a vibrant shipbuilding industry.
Simbulan and Reyes spoke at the University of the Philippines Diliman about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
While EDCA sites are being constructed in the country, Reyes also stated that the Marcos government is favorable to both the United States and China.
Meanwhile, Reyes stated that Bayan will hold Independence Day protests in front of the Chinese and US embassies in order to demonstrate true independence from both countries.
