China magiging ‘good neighbor’ ng Pilipinas

Dahil sa patuloy na magkatuwang na pagsisikap ng Manila at Beijing, maituturing nang nasa “sustained stability” ang sitwasyon sa South China Sea, sinabi ng mataas na Chinese diplomat sa Pilipinas nitong Huwebes.

“What we have done showcases that our two countries have the sincerity, wisdom and capability to properly manage the differences and focus on cooperation, in the purpose of turning South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and prosperity,” sinabi ni Ambassador Zhao Jianhua sa kanyang welcome address sa 69thfounding anniversary ng Peoples Republic of China.

Bukod sa pagtutulungan sa paglaban sa ilegal na droga, terorismo at cyber-crimes, iniugnay din ni Zhao ang katatagan sa iba pang mekanismo na pinasimulan ng dalawang bansa tulad ng Bilateral Consultation Mechanism at Joint Coast Guard Committee.

Nakadagdag sa pagbuti ng relasyon, ayon kay Zhao, ang paghahanap ng magkabilang panig ng practical cooperation sa mga larangan tulad ng fisheries, maritime affairs, joint search and rescue, marine scientific research at environmental protection.

“China will continue to be the Philippines’ good neighbor, sincere friend and trusted partner,” ani Zhao.

Sa sidelines ng event, binigyang-diin ng Chinese diplomat ang “new phase” sa military-to-military relations ng dalawang bansa, at tiniyak sa Pilipinas ang suporta ng Beijing sa kampanyang kontra terorismo ng bansa.

“We are very supportive of the Philippines particularly the DND (Department of National Defense) in their campaign against terrorism by providing weapons and equipment, and by enhancing communication and exchanges. We have resumed our mutual trust and confidence,” ani Zhao sa mga mamamahayag.