Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday acknowledged that the competition between the two giants—the US and China—is affecting not only the Philippines but other countries in the region.
But he added "competition is much better than conflict."
In an interview with CNBC, Manalo implied that the Philippines is trying to balance its good relations with the two competing countries.
"In the case of the Philippines, we, of course, are a very close partner of the United States, we have traditional ties with them," he said.
But at the same time, he added, "we have equally close relations with China, especially in the economic field."
"So these are areas which we are seeking to exploit," Manalo said.