SENATORIAL candidate Raul Lambino expressed confidence that the Philippines and China could further strengthen their economic ties despite tensions in the South China Sea.

Lambino described the economic relations between the two countries as "highly productive."

"Strong economic relations with China are crucial for the Philippines, especially since China is our largest export market," Lambino, chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU), said.

He emphasized that "enhancing these relations could boost Philippine exports of agricultural products, electronics, and other goods while attracting more Chinese investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology."

Citing figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), he said the Philippines exported $19.041 billion worth of goods to China, including the special administrative region of Hong Kong, in 2024.

"The Philippine companies exporting goods to China provide gainful employment to many Filipinos," Lambino said. "As these firms increase their export sales to China, they will also undoubtedly create additional jobs for our people."

Lambino, who is running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan banner, is a former chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and former presidential adviser for Northern Luzon.

His remarks came as Filipino-Chinese groups started preparations for the 50th anniversary of the June 9, 1975 establishment of the Philippines-China diplomatic ties.

In 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China's nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea had no legal basis.

The ruling stemmed from the case filed by Manila against Beijing in 2013.

Lambino also said the APCU has launched its 2025 search for Filipinos with significant contributions to fostering friendly ties and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.

"The Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) recognizes Filipinos who have used their advocacy or expertise in fields such as mass media, public service, trade and commerce, arts, culture, and the sciences to improve people-to-people relations between the two nations," he said.

Nominations can be submitted through APCU's website from Feb. 26 to March 25.

Past awardees include former first lady Imelda Marcos, former presidents Joseph Estrada and Rodrigo Duterte, former ambassadors Francis Chua, Francisco Benedicto, and Carlos Chan, as well as businessman and philanthropist Larry Tan Villareal, and academician Gabriel Ma. Lopez of Ateneo de Manila University.