Why younger Filipinos are warming to China despite maritime tensions

Arnaud Leveau, President of Asia Centre, spoke to Jeoffrey Maitem for the South China Morning Post about a generational shift in how Filipinos see China.

Younger Filipinos tend to have a more positive view of China, despite tensions in the South China Sea. This does not necessarily mean they are more willing to accept Chinese pressure. Many are impressed by China’s economic and technological development while remaining strongly attached to Philippine sovereignty.

This may also reflect a less binary way of looking at international relations. Across Southeast Asia, younger generations increasingly reject a choice between Washington and Beijing in favour of a more pragmatic, issue-by-issue approach.

Read the article: South China Morning Post