Chin. communities in Philippines as South China Sea tensions sour ties

Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Now, ethnic Chinese communities in the Philippines also find themselves caught in the middle, with some accusing the media of fuelling anti-China sentiment.

But others are turning to food to foster understanding between both sides.

Victor Lim -- whose ancestral roots are in Fujian -- is a prominent leader of the Filipino-Chinese business community.

But he says visits from Chinese business delegations have become less frequent in recent years as Chinese investors are becoming more cautious about ventures in the Philippines.

President, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc VICTOR LIM: "We want peace. We don't want war in this region. So hopefully everything will be safer, peacefully."

Another Filipino-Chinese community leader Teresita Ang-See has spent years promoting the integration of ethnic Chinese Filipinos into mainstream Philippine society.

She says if relations between China and the Philippines are good, the it'll be mutually beneficial to both nations.

But what hurts her most, she says, is witnessing how some media outlets have fuelled racial hatred.

Founding President, Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran TERESITA ANG-SEE: "They read only the Western media and the narratives produced in Western media. What they see are the reports that China is an aggressor. Even journalists, many of them think China is a very poor country, still a very poor country. That is very, very surprising."

Filipino-Chinese journalist Wilson Young Lee-Flores regularly writes columns and organises forums to encourage Filipinos to learn more about China.

But he has another identity -- the owner of a bakery.

Philippine Bakery Shop Owner WILSON YOUNG LEE-FLORES: "We combine the very popular Filipino sisig with pancit and lumpia."

The "cake" combines Chinese ingredients with Filipino flavours -- and has proved popular with local customers.

You might disagree on religion, even politics. But when it comes to food, everybody is busy eating. It will make relationship better for both.