Philippines President Marcos clarifies tech hub goals and China relations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has clarified that the Philippines' push to establish an advanced technology hub is focused on job creation and technological advancement rather than geopolitical alignment. Speaking at a luncheon for the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, the President emphasized that the administration does not view economic partnerships as a binary choice between nations.

Marcos noted that the Philippines remains open to all economic partners and continues to cooperate with China, which remains one of the country's largest investors. He highlighted that despite territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, economic and professional engagements with Beijing have continued on a practical level. He also pointed to visa-free entry for Chinese nationals as evidence that the country is not distancing itself from China.