China encounters beyond the West PH Sea

Ghuangzhou–A trip to this capital city of China’s Guangdong province means literally crossing the disputed South China Sea via a short, two-and-a-half-hour direct flight of China Southern Airlines from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. For us Filipino journalists, attuned to reports about China’s aggressive incursions into the West Philippine Sea comprising our exclusive economic zone, visiting the “other side” requires having an open mind.

That was probably the unwritten context when the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., (FFCCCII) led by its president Victor Lim, invited a small group of Filipino senior editors and columnists for a “cultural and tourism exchange” visit to Ghuangzhou, Guilin, and Yangshou in southern China, including an interaction with international graduate students at Jinan University.

Wilson Lee Flores, chair of FFCCCII’s information committee and his vice chair, Eduardo Cobankiat, said the chamber’s initiative was in support of President Marcos Jr.’s call on the FFCCCII to “help foster stronger bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China” particularly as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Chilly bursts of winter. Our group arrived to a warm welcome by our Jinan University hosts on the first chilly bursts of winter in one of China’s largest cities, historically known as Canton. Arriving at the Ghuangzhou Baiyun airport immediately invites comparisons: a modern airport, speedy immigration lines, and efficient transportation systems offering swift and convenient connections across China. No horrendous traffic, no loud motorcycles, no pollution-spewing buses.

Five-star hotels, glistening skyscrapers, the landmark Canton Tower, the massive Pearl River, and other cultural, historical, and gastronomic attractions mark Ghuangzhou’s standing as an international hub with an ancient history, as a major port in China’s extensive Silk Road.

A visit to Nanping Village, in Wenquan town, gave us a glimpse of rural life in a picturesque mountain retreat and farming community. The sleepy village, our host Moon Lee explained, is a model for new rural reconstruction, aimed at promoting development while protecting the environment. Blessed with rich natural resources, the village is one of the famous areas in China dedicated to producing lychees, as well as mulberry, licorice, plum, and other agricultural products.

In partnership with a private company, the Pearl River Industrial Group, the village has been developed into a “company + village collective + farmers’ cooperative” model reminiscent of the “one town, one product” (Otop) initiative during the Arroyo administration. The company helps market the products, which are also supplied to local restaurants and sold on the lively marketplace along the main road, thus ensuring farmers’ income.

As we toured the community, we noted how the farmers live on well-built homes with vehicles in their garages.

Seamless experience. A two-hour trip via high-speed train from a world-class rail station in Ghuangzhou took us to Yangshuo town of Guilin city in the Guangxi Autonomous Region. There, one of China’s most famous tourist attractions await–the enchanting Li River and the astonishing karst mountains and caves that surround the charming town.

Bamboo rafts with quiet and unobtrusive engines take tourists on a magical cruise of the emerald waters of the Li River, framed by karst towers and limestone hills, the most stunning of which are printed on the 20 Yuan banknote. The cruise, which draws millions of tourists, gives one an El Nido vibe, except that this one sails on a pristine river.

Then again, you see the efficiency, the sustainability, and the convenience built into the tourism sector that give domestic and foreign visitors alike a seamless experience.

At night, a part of the Li River and the karst formations become the dramatic and otherworldly stage and backdrop to Guilin’s famous light and sound show, where villagers who are farmers by day become actors at the nightly sold-out shows.

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People-to-people. Back in Ghuangzhou, at a farewell dinner of Sichuan cuisine our hosts gave us, we learned about Dr. Fan Dai, director of Jinan University’s Center for Philippine Studies, his affinity for Filipinos and his love for Filipino food, having obtained his doctorate degree at the University of the Philippines. Lee, a Jinan University researcher who has many Filipino friends, showed her up-to-date knowledge of Philippine politics, including the flood control scandal.

There was no need to dwell on the elephant in the room, for both sides know their stand on the territorial dispute. Our main host ended our tour on a high note as he offered a toast to mutual understanding between Chinese and Filipinos.

For sure, China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea will always get in the way of good diplomatic relations between the two countries. But people-to-people encounters, as the FFCCCII hopes for, can offer an avenue for dialogue and appreciation of each other’s culture and economic development.

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Juliet L. Javellana is associate publisher and Opinion editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.