An Analysis of the Variation and Impact of Sino-Philippines Economic and Trade Relations during the Duterte Administration

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the variation and impact of Sino-Philippines economic and trade relations during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. The Duterte administration had implemented a foreign policy that differed significantly from its predecessor, adopting a strategy of "balancing relations equally between China and the United States" and suspending the contested South China Sea arbitration ruling. By analyzing relevant data and policies, this study explores changes in trade volume, investment patterns, and collaborative projects, while assessing the consequences of these transformations for economic development and bilateral relations. The findings reveal a significant shift in Sino-Philippines economic and trade relations during the Duterte administration, leading to a remarkable turnaround in the overall bilateral relationship. This transformation has had profound implications for the Philippines domestic economy, regional cooperation, and interactions between the two nations. The results of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Sino-Philippines economic and trade relations during the Duterte era and offer insights for further studies.