Opinion | Is this an act of patriotism? A case of the Philippines

By Augustus K. Yeung

The Patriotic Education Law has just been passed in Beijing. Its significance may be more far-reaching than most people in Hong Kong expect.

For example, do the fates and fortunes of the Philippines concern us here in Hong Kong (SAR)? As a defender of ASEAN, China says, "Yes, it does."

Xi openly advocates: "Advance high-quality cooperation!"

I have just read two news episodes related to the Philippines. My question is how should I respond to these two news items? Is my concern an act of patriotism?

I responded with joy to the first news episode, reported by Xinhua. Should I and my government congratulate the Philippines – on receiving the great honor bestowed on it by the World Cruise Awards?

And I privately responded with a sense of unity to the second news item, reported by AFP.

The Palestine-Israel conflict has not only shocked the world, but it has also surprised the world that worldwide sympathizers are unexpectedly standing up for the oppressed Palestinians.

Some Chinese may think that whatever has happened to the Philippines is none of China's business – especially when Marcos' coastal guards are making waves in the South China Seas – over its territorial disputes with China.

Shouldn't China refrain from rejoicing good news when it happens to the "recalcitrant" Philippines?! My argument is that it is Marcos who is being recalcitrant – not necessarily the Philippines in general, now and in the future.

Symbolic Interactionism, as a school of thought, has not been appreciated and practiced by Chinese academics. However, I have found its theoretical concepts such as "societal response" highly strategic in advancing Chinese diplomacy.

This concept has sensitized my thinking about the current disputes between China and the Philippines. Can't we change our reaction pattern by being kind and helpful to the Filipinos (whose Marcos administration is keen on challenging China)?

Read the following two abridged news items, then respond and discuss.

Philippines names Asia's best cruise destination this year by World Cruise Awards

The Philippines has been named Asia's Best Cruise Destination 2023 by the World Cruise Awards. Its Department of Tourism said.

"This notable achievement marks the first time the Philippines has received this recognition, building the country's reputation as an emerging powerhouse – in the global cruise and tourism sector," Tourism Secretary Frasco said.

The Philippines is projected to have 128 ports of call or cruise calls in 2023 across 33 destinations in the archipelagic country, bringing in more than 101,000 passengers and some 50,000 in estimated crew.

"The Philippines is world-renowned – for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality," Frasco said, adding the country offers a wide array of cruise experiences, from exploring picturesque coastlines and coral reefs to immersing in local culture and traditions.

The new award complements and reaffirms the Philippines' status as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts – and it also opens the country's potential to offer exceptional cruise experiences on a global scale.

Three Philippine beach destinations, Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, were recently voted as best islands by the Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The Philippines won Asia's Leading Dive Destination title for the fifth consecutive year at the preeminent World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023 in September. (Source: Xinhua)

As reported by Xinhua, therefore, this is the kind of good news that China and its people should seize upon to congratulate the Philippines government and its people. Why? It is a goodwill message!

Hong Kong and Beijing can respond positively by informing the Philippines that we are happy to mobilize our Chinese tourist army – and turn eco-tourism into a prominent business, helping develop the archipelago country's economy. This act should align with Xi's principle of people-to-people connectivity and his emphasis on promoting and sharing regional business, prosperity and peace.

Thousands join pro-Palestine protests in southern Philippines.

Thousands of people gathered in the southern Philippines yesterday to protest Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip in response to deadly crossing-border raids by Hamas militants.

Participants waved Palestinian flags, painted their cheeks with Palestinian colors – and shed tears as they prayed.

Speakers at the protest called for a halt to the Israeli military operations and urged the US to stay neutral in the conflict.

The four-hour peaceful protest was held at a public park in Cotabato, a city with more than 200,000 Muslim residents.

Placards read "Free Palestine!" and "Bangsamoro against injustice", referring to the Muslim self-ruled region on Mindanao.

Uniformed police and soldiers stayed discreetly nearby.

"The protest has just been concluded without incident," the authorities told AFP. (Source: AFP)

Like many people in the world, these mostly Muslim Philippine southerners have an adamant sense of justice as they sympathize with the Palestinians in Gaza Strip – who for decades have been oppressed by the Israelis.

China, too, is feeling the same way. And it is hoping to see that justice is done by first stopping the violence, and next brokering another peace deal.

Recognizing that the U.S. has been on the wrong side of history, President Biden is now trying to charter a correct course, sharing with China the "two-state resolution" for a permanent settlement.

If the US president is showing rationality and demonstrating humanistic quality to tackling the world's unjust incidents and events, this is high time China and Hong Kong (SAR) should coalesce all concerned parties to show our support.

Hong Kong people can't be wrong to be kind and helpful to the people of the Philippines, although President Marcos has temporarily lost its sense of direction. As a Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong citizens should extend their arms to share the joy – and help them out in their sorrows (as was in the case of typhoons) and be kind to Filipinos.

Is this then an act of patriotism – within the broad context of Chinese law?! The debate/discussion is expected to continue in the education sector of Hong Kong.

 

The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.

To contact the writer, please direct email: AugustusKYeung@ymail.com

Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:

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