The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China.

The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media.

“Why the Philippines election could be a win for China,” opined CNN in a lengthy editorial.

But the year 2023 turned the tables upside down.

Marcos turned out to be Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s biggest and boldest nemesis, especially about his nation’s righteous claim over parts of the South China Sea that China has increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past 10 months.

Let’s have a look at key events of 2023 that largely shaped the ties between China and the Philippines.

<h2>January 2023: Marcos visits Beijing</h2>

The year started on a positive note for the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

In his first foreign visit outside Southeast Asia, Macros arrived in Beijing in January to reaffirm Manila’s commitment towards continuing his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policy.

The visit was hailed as successful by the Bongbong administration, with Manila having struck three major following deals with Beijing:

1) Investment pledges worth $22 billion&nbsp;

2) Compromise over “South China Sea disputes”

3) A new emergency hotline between maritime officers of the two countries

<h2>February 2023: Xi’s stab in the back</h2>

In an awful surprise within weeks of his trip to Beijing, Marcos on February 6 received the news of China shining a “military grade” laser at a Filipino coast guard boat.

The vessel was on a resupply mission to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The laser was so powerful that not only it temporarily blinded the crew of the boat but it also led Marcos to open his eyes to China’s dangerous designs in the Philippines waters.

The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before.&nbsp;

For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and given a strongly worded public complaint.

“I thought … the Philippines was the friend of China,” was all Chinese envoy Huang Xilian could say to the Philippine president.

<h2>August 2023: When China ‘snapped’ the hotline</h2>

After months of tense encounters, a major Chinese incursion took place in one morning of August. A Chinese coast guard ship bore down on a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired at it with water cannons.

When the Philippine officials tried to contact their Chinese counterparts through the newly established emergency hotline, they found themselves completely ghosted.&nbsp;

Their calls were answered only after a long wait of six hours.

<h2>September 2023: Manila fires back</h2>

After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to return the favour in September.&nbsp;

China had installed a floating, 300-metre-long barrier in the West Philippine Sea, much to Marcos’s chagrin.

He ordered the coast guard to cut the barrier, bring its anchor back to Manila and then went on to publicly humiliate China by displaying it at a news conference, calling it a “souvenir”.

The move left Beijing red-faced and observers stunned.

<h2>November 2022: BRI bulldozed</h2>

In November, the Philippines became the latest country to bid adieu to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

And Marcos’s move couldn’t be more well-timed.

It came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders of 23 countries for the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to breathe fresh life into the ambitious infrastructure plan, which has begun to fall apart already.

<h2>December 2022: When China crossed the red line</h2>

Marcos declared in December that the ties with China were heading in a ‘poor direction’ after its coast guard blasted a boat carrying the Philippine military chief with a water cannon.

The standoff continued for two consecutive days.

Watch:&nbsp;Philippines installs Japan-made air radars amid tensions with China

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-installs-japan-made-air-radars-amid-tensions-with-china-672377/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference on Dec 11 that declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered.” &nbsp;

<h2>The Philippines turns to democratic allies</h2>

The country is now stepping up efforts to bolster its ties with democratic partners like the US, the EU, Japan, India and South Korea.&nbsp; 
 
“We have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos declared in Tokyo during a Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month.

There is also an indication that the Marcos Jr. administration might look to sign the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan as soon as next year.

Filipino National Security Council (NSC) Director General Jonathan Malaya said both Manila and Tokyo wish to sign the agreement as soon as possible since it will significantly increase their marine cooperation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718">Also read:&nbsp;UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines</a>

The US and UK have also condemned recent Chinese aggression, with Washington DC categorically asserting its ironclad commitment to the Southeast Asian country and pledging to defend it against potential Chinese invasion.

The year 2023 will go down in history as a major turning point for the China-Philippines ties.&nbsp;

Xi’s handling of China’s ties with its neighbours is increasingly laying bare the desperation of his regime to score geopolitical points overseas, amidst a gloomy outlook at home.

(With inputs from agencies)

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China. The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media.

The victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr in the May 2022 Philippine presidential elections came as a rude shock for the West and a bonanza for China. The son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator had long been projected as pro-China and anti-US by the Western media. “Why the Philippines election could be a win for China,” opined CNN in a lengthy editorial. But the year 2023 turned the tables upside down. Marcos turned out to be Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s biggest and boldest nemesis, especially about his nation’s righteous claim over parts of the South China Sea that China has increasingly and aggressively disputed over the past 10 months. Let’s have a look at key events of 2023 that largely shaped the ties between China and the Philippines. January 2023: Marcos visits Beijing The year started on a positive note for the bilateral ties. In his first foreign visit outside Southeast Asia, Macros arrived in Beijing in January to reaffirm Manila’s commitment towards continuing his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policy. The visit was hailed as successful by the Bongbong administration, with Manila having struck three major following deals with Beijing: 1) Investment pledges worth $22 billion 2) Compromise over “South China Sea disputes” 3) A new emergency hotline between maritime officers of the two countries February 2023: Xi’s stab in the back In an awful surprise within weeks of his trip to Beijing, Marcos on February 6 received the news of China shining a “military grade” laser at a Filipino coast guard boat. The vessel was on a resupply mission to a marooned navy vessel that Manila has used for years to claim the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The laser was so powerful that not only it temporarily blinded the crew of the boat but it also led Marcos to open his eyes to China’s dangerous designs in the Philippines waters. The incident infuriated the Philippine president like never before. For the first time in over a decade, a Chinese ambassador was summoned by Manila and given a strongly worded public complaint. “I thought … the Philippines was the friend of China,” was all Chinese envoy Huang Xilian could say to the Philippine president. August 2023: When China ‘snapped’ the hotline After months of tense encounters, a major Chinese incursion took place in one morning of August. A Chinese coast guard ship bore down on a Philippine coast guard vessel and fired at it with water cannons. When the Philippine officials tried to contact their Chinese counterparts through the newly established emergency hotline, they found themselves completely ghosted. Their calls were answered only after a long wait of six hours. September 2023: Manila fires back After months of Chinese harassment, Manila chose to return the favour in September. China had installed a floating, 300-metre-long barrier in the West Philippine Sea, much to Marcos’s chagrin. He ordered the coast guard to cut the barrier, bring its anchor back to Manila and then went on to publicly humiliate China by displaying it at a news conference, calling it a “souvenir”. The move left Beijing red-faced and observers stunned. November 2022: BRI bulldozed In November, the Philippines became the latest country to bid adieu to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. And Marcos’s move couldn’t be more well-timed. It came just days after Xi Jinping hosted leaders of 23 countries for the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing to breathe fresh life into the ambitious infrastructure plan, which has begun to fall apart already. December 2022: When China crossed the red line Marcos declared in December that the ties with China were heading in a ‘poor direction’ after its coast guard blasted a boat carrying the Philippine military chief with a water cannon. The standoff continued for two consecutive days. Watch: Philippines installs Japan-made air radars amid tensions with China × Manila even considered expelling the Chinese ambassador after the military chief was harassed. Foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference on Dec 11 that declaring China’s ambassador Huang Xilian as “persona non grata” in the Philippines was also “something that has to be seriously considered.” The Philippines turns to democratic allies The country is now stepping up efforts to bolster its ties with democratic partners like the US, the EU, Japan, India and South Korea. “We have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos declared in Tokyo during a Japan-ASEAN summit earlier this month. There is also an indication that the Marcos Jr. administration might look to sign the reciprocal access agreement (RAA) with Japan as soon as next year. Filipino National Security Council (NSC) Director General Jonathan Malaya said both Manila and Tokyo wish to sign the agreement as soon as possible since it will significantly increase their marine cooperation. Also read: UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines The US and UK have also condemned recent Chinese aggression, with Washington DC categorically asserting its ironclad commitment to the Southeast Asian country and pledging to defend it against potential Chinese invasion. The year 2023 will go down in history as a major turning point for the China-Philippines ties. Xi’s handling of China’s ties with its neighbours is increasingly laying bare the desperation of his regime to score geopolitical points overseas, amidst a gloomy outlook at home. (With inputs from agencies)

Friend-turned-foe: How 2023 saw the emergence of Xi’s biggest nemesis - Bongbong Marcos

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr arrived in China on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, during which Manila and Beijing are expected to bolster trade and investment ties and address security issues of mutual concern.

Philippine president Marcos off to China for 3-day state visit

Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s visit to the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix in Singapore over the weekend has been criticised for his “untimely visit” when the nation is ravaged by Typhoon Noru.

The president later confirmed his trip after posting pictures on his Facebook post on Monday night, inviting a string of criticism on his online post.

“They say that playing golf is the best way to drum up business, but I say it’s Formula 1…What a productive weekend,” Marcos Jr. said.

The trip was reportedly unannounced, as Marcos Jr’s press secretary did not even issue a confirmation.&nbsp;It was revealed that he had gone to Singapore only after the local officials posted pictures of the&nbsp;Philippines' president on Facebook.

Moreover, Singaporean Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng named the Philippines' leader among the foreign dignitaries he met “to affirm our bilateral economic relationships and strengthen collaborations in energy cooperation as well as exchange views on manpower policies on the sidelines of the race.”

The opposition demanded more details from the government about the trip, asking if it was funded with public resources.

“We assert that the Singapore F1 weekend getaway was insensitive, unnecessary and irresponsible given the crisis that the nation is in,” Renato Reyes of the left-wing Bayan political alliance said in a statement, reports AP news agency.

“Only the utterly callous and shamelessly entitled would not get this point.”

According to AP, which cited a Philippine official, Marcos Jr., left for Singapore with his wife and two sons on Friday on a military plane for an overnight stay to watch the Grand Prix races.

Typhoon Noru has left at least 1 million people displaced and claimed 12 lives, disaster response officials said.

The landfall is estimated to have caused damages of nearly $51 million, leaving farmland flattened just before the harvest season.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s visit to the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix in Singapore over the weekend has been criticised for his “untimely visit” when the nation is ravaged by Typhoon Noru.

Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s visit to the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix in Singapore over the weekend has been criticised for his “untimely visit” when the nation is ravaged by Typhoon Noru. The president later confirmed his trip after posting pictures on his Facebook post on Monday night, inviting a string of criticism on his online post. “They say that playing golf is the best way to drum up business, but I say it’s Formula 1…What a productive weekend,” Marcos Jr. said. The trip was reportedly unannounced, as Marcos Jr’s press secretary did not even issue a confirmation. It was revealed that he had gone to Singapore only after the local officials posted pictures of the Philippines' president on Facebook. Moreover, Singaporean Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng named the Philippines' leader among the foreign dignitaries he met “to affirm our bilateral economic relationships and strengthen collaborations in energy cooperation as well as exchange views on manpower policies on the sidelines of the race.” The opposition demanded more details from the government about the trip, asking if it was funded with public resources. “We assert that the Singapore F1 weekend getaway was insensitive, unnecessary and irresponsible given the crisis that the nation is in,” Renato Reyes of the left-wing Bayan political alliance said in a statement, reports AP news agency. “Only the utterly callous and shamelessly entitled would not get this point.” According to AP, which cited a Philippine official, Marcos Jr., left for Singapore with his wife and two sons on Friday on a military plane for an overnight stay to watch the Grand Prix races. Typhoon Noru has left at least 1 million people displaced and claimed 12 lives, disaster response officials said. The landfall is estimated to have caused damages of nearly $51 million, leaving farmland flattened just before the harvest season. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Philippines prez’s visit to Singapore to watch F1 race panned by opposition, people

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the namesake son of an ousted dictator, was sworn in as Philippine president Thursday in one of the greatest political comebacks in recent history.

Dictator's son Marcos Jr. takes oath as Philippines 17th president

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the namesake son of an ousted dictator, is to be sworn in as Philippine president Thursday in one of history's greatest political comebacks.

Philippine Presidential Inauguration: Son of late dictator Marcos to swear in today

The son of the Philippines' late dictator Ferdinand Marcos will be sworn in as president today (Thursday). Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, has scored landslide victory in the last month elections.

Philippine Presidential Inauguration: Marcos Jr to take oath in a public event today

Dictator's son Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes oath as Philippines 17th president

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son of former Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is the favourite in the country's ongoing presidential election, prompting fears that if he wins, searches for the family's unlawfully acquired money — estimated to be worth $10 billion — will be stifled.

According to Reuters, Marcos Jr — or Bongbong as locals refer to him — is on course to win the May 9 presidential election.&nbsp;

Despite being the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and first lady Imelda Marcos, the renowned political pair who stole billions from the Filipino people during their 20-year rule, Bongbong was 33 percent points ahead of his nearest challenger, Leni Robredo, in mid-April.

The Marcos "acquired" their wealth through embezzling government funding and financial aid before their demise in 1986.

They were not afraid to flaunt their wealth, investing in four Manhattan properties worth more than $300 million at the time.

Watch | The Final Fight: Marcos junior versus Leni Robredo | Philippine Elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-final-fight-marcon-junior-versus-leni-robredo-philippine-elections-477490/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They also owned over 200 works of art, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo masterpieces, many of which are still missing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-election-2022-voting-underway-to-decide-next-president-477518">Also read | Philippines Election 2022: Voting underway to decide next president</a>

The family's assets are estimated to be worth between $5 billion and $10 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Marcos was a harsh ruler who implemented martial law in 1972, in addition to his financial misdeeds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explainer-a-guide-to-the-philippines-election-this-year-476533">Pictures: Explainer-A guide to the Philippines election this year</a>

According to Amnesty International, tens of thousands of Filipinos were arrested, tortured, and killed over the course of nine years. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son of former Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is the favourite in the country's ongoing presidential election, prompting fears that if he wins, searches for the family's unlawfully acquired money — estimated to be worth $10 billion — will be stifled.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son of former Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is the favourite in the country's ongoing presidential election, prompting fears that if he wins, searches for the family's unlawfully acquired money — estimated to be worth $10 billion — will be stifled. According to Reuters, Marcos Jr — or Bongbong as locals refer to him — is on course to win the May 9 presidential election. Despite being the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and first lady Imelda Marcos, the renowned political pair who stole billions from the Filipino people during their 20-year rule, Bongbong was 33 percent points ahead of his nearest challenger, Leni Robredo, in mid-April. The Marcos "acquired" their wealth through embezzling government funding and financial aid before their demise in 1986. They were not afraid to flaunt their wealth, investing in four Manhattan properties worth more than $300 million at the time. Watch | The Final Fight: Marcos junior versus Leni Robredo | Philippine Elections They also owned over 200 works of art, including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo masterpieces, many of which are still missing. Also read | Philippines Election 2022: Voting underway to decide next president The family's assets are estimated to be worth between $5 billion and $10 billion, according to Bloomberg. Marcos was a harsh ruler who implemented martial law in 1972, in addition to his financial misdeeds. Pictures: Explainer-A guide to the Philippines election this year According to Amnesty International, tens of thousands of Filipinos were arrested, tortured, and killed over the course of nine years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Philippines Election 2022: Bongbong's win would halt the search for his family's ill-gotten $10 billion

From Bongbong Marcos to Leni Robredo: Key contenders for Philippines' 2022 presidential election

bongbong-marcos

Bongbong Marcos, News on Bongbong Marcos, stories on Bongbong Marcos, articles on Bongbong Marcos, Bongbong Marcos stories at Wion, Bongbong Marcos news, Bongbong Marcos latest news

bongbong marcos