**Derisking: The Key to Limiting China's Grip on Philippine Infrastructure**
In today's interconnected world, nations must adopt strategies to safeguard their critical infrastructure from foreign influence. For the Philippines, this is particularly crucial given its geographical proximity to China and significant dependence on Chinese investments.
At a recent news forum in Quezon City, political analyst Richard Heydarian emphasized the need for the Philippines to adopt a "derisking" strategy to prevent China from gaining full control over the country's critical infrastructure. This approach involves implementing specific safeguards to limit the influence of foreign entities, particularly those with significant stakes in key industries.
**What is Derisking?**
Heydarian clarified that derisking does not mean decoupling or eliminating all Chinese involvement. Instead, it means implementing high-fence, small-yards strategies – issue-specific but clear safeguards to prevent over-reliance on any one entity. This approach ensures that the Philippines maintains control over its critical infrastructure while still allowing for beneficial partnerships with foreign entities.
**Derisking: A Preventative Measure**
Heydarian stressed that derisking is essential to preventing China from gaining 100 percent control over critical infrastructure. He cited the example of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), which is reportedly one of the sites targeted by arrested Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in espionage operations in the country.
While the recent Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) agreement to acquire a 20 percent stake in NGCP may seem like a step in the right direction, Heydarian warned that it is not enough to ensure the country's infrastructure remains secure. Derisking is necessary to prevent future encroachment and maintain national security and sovereignty.
**A New Berlin in the 21st Century**
Heydarian drew parallels between the Philippines' current situation and the Cold War-era tensions surrounding West Berlin. Just as Berlin was caught in a great power struggle between East and West, the Philippines finds itself at the center of a major geopolitical competition. With China seeking to dominate both the first island chain and the second island chain – which includes the Philippine Sea – it is imperative for the country to take proactive steps to limit its influence.
**Outdated Laws: A Curse in Disguise**
Heydarian also highlighted the need for updated laws to address the proliferation of Chinese spies in the Philippines. He noted that our treason law only applies during wartime, and our fines are laughably low – some as little as PHP10,000. In an era where espionage operations are sophisticated and well-funded, such outdated laws provide a clear advantage to foreign agents seeking to infiltrate the country's critical infrastructure.
**Conclusion**
Derisking is not a one-time event but rather a continuous process of identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing safeguards to prevent over-reliance on any one entity. As the Philippines navigates this complex landscape, it is essential to adopt a derisking strategy that prioritizes national security and sovereignty. By taking proactive steps to limit China's influence over critical infrastructure, the Philippines can ensure its future remains bright – free from the shackles of foreign control.
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