The ongoing strain in Philippines-China relations is beginning to affect business ties, as Chinese nationals face increasing difficulty in securing Philippine visas, according to Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) president Samuel Uy.
Speaking at a recent forum in Manila, Uy shared the experience of two professional businessmen from Shanghai who were unable to obtain Philippine visas.
“They are professionals, yet they found it very hard to get a visa. From their experience, it seems that very few Chinese nationals can apply successfully now,” he said.
The situation comes amid a fresh travel advisory from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, which warned its citizens about rising incidents of questioning and harassment by local law enforcement authorities.
The advisory underscored concerns over the safety and treatment of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
Uy acknowledged that these developments could be tied to increasing nationalism in the country.
“There are some Filipinos with that kind of attitude, but not the majority,” he said, noting that most Filipinos remain understanding and welcoming.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have heightened due to maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea and recent allegations of Chinese espionage within Philippine territory.
Uy clarified that the Filipino-Chinese business community is committed to lawful conduct and maintaining harmony.
Uy said Filipino-Chinese businessmen try to stay away from people involved in POGOs.
“Our stand is that we don’t take part in any illegal activity. We want to keep a good relationship with the government,” he said.