AidData, a US research group, reports that the Marcos administration’s shift away from Beijing could lead to a decline in major Chinese investments similar to patterns seen during the Aquino administration.
According to the research, Chinese investment in the Philippines is highly sensitive to the current political climate and the nature of Manila-Beijing relations.
Under former President Duterte, China fast-tracked projects, but relations have cooled under Marcos, leading to fewer large-scale infrastructure projects and a potential rise in smaller public diplomacy efforts.
China’s financing strategy has been marked by high-interest loans rather than aid, with significant investments concentrated in politically important regions like Davao during Duterte’s tenure.
AidData’s findings highlight that China’s investments focus heavily on infrastructure and often involve firms with controversial business practices.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 12, 2024
