Since the pre-colonial period of our country, China has been one of the best trading partners of the Philippines . We may actually say that the relationship of China and Philippines is deepening to what is now described as a partnership in its golden age.

People’s Republic of China is now the Philippine’s third largest trading partner and continues to be the fastest growing market for Philippine exports. In return, as we can observe, Philippines approve more and more Chinese investments every year.

Is this the result of our years of partnership? Investments/Trades/Businesses? What does China really have and give to us? When I hear the name China and with its economic facet, things that first run on my mind are: Widespread piracy on the market, Low-quality export products that threaten health of its consumers and Controversial government agreements.

We all know the plagiarism on industries, food, medicines and other export products that danger our health, and of course, the unending issue of National Broadband Network (NBN) that started the burning flames on the Philippine Congress. And recently the five (5) day China official visit this January 2008, resulted on China ’s statement that they are ready to invest in joint venture agreement with the Philippines in Oil Exploration in the Philippines beneath the Spratly Islands . And I hope this one would not flame the oil in our country, too.

Despite the questions in their market I may say that China is doing good in diplomacy that they can convince our government well. Questions! Does this only show that Phil-China relations on the years have go forward into a more confident, comprehensive and mature partnership? Or, this is just a game in politics? Are we really benefited or few only have the graces?

Are we going on the right way, proving and testing the years of partnership?