PH pushing for ‘stronger bond’ with China despite sea row
The Philippines is pushing for a stronger bond with China despite a lingering territorial row in the South China Sea.
President Duterte expressed his desire to further improve relations with China during a meeting with a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by Meng Xiangfeng in Malacañang on Tuesday.
"During the meet and greet at Malacañang Palace, the President reiterated 'our desire and wish of the Filipino people that we make our bond stronger,'" a Malacañang press statement read.
"He further noted that the bond is improving every day," the Palace added.
The President's meeting with the Chinese party members came amid reports of China’s increased construction activities on the Kagitingan Reef located in the disputed South China Sea.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier recommended the filing of a diplomatic protest if China's military buildup on the reef is proven.
The Palace has agreed that such protest would be "proper remedy, saying the government has opposed any militarization of the territory since it would threaten peace and security in the area.
But the Palace maintained that there was still no breach in China's good faith not to pursue new reclamation in the area.
Also present in the meeting with the President were CPC members Yuan Zhibing, Director General of Bureau One International Department of the CPC; Lin Zhi, Division Chief, Personnel Bureau, CPC; and Du Dingding, Division Chief, Bureau One International Department of the CPC. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, and Embassy of China Counselor Sun Yi.
The CPC party members are in Manila upon the invitation of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, also PDP-Laban party president, and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi were also present in the meeting.
The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China Sea believed to be rich in marine and mineral resources.
Since he assumed office in 2016, Duterte opted to pursue a friendly approach to China to enhance economic and diplomatic relations. He decided to pursue a bilateral dialogue with China over the territorial conflict as well as call for a binding code of conduct in the disputed waters to ease the tension.
Weak stance
But former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay expressed dismay over the current administration’s failure to fully defend the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea.
“There was a time when we fought for our rights in the West Philippine Sea, stood with honor and pride, and actually won,” recounted Hilbay in a statement.
“Now our government acts as spokesperson for China, interpreting the actions of the aggressor in the most benign way possible,” he added.
Reports have come out that Beijing’s artificial islands in the Spratly Islands have been transformed into a fortified airbase complete with military installations.
The report also stated that more than 200 soldiers are also stationed on Fiery Cross.
Lorenzana said “the Chinese government said that they are not going to militarize those reclaimed islands.”
“But if it is true and we can prove that they have been putting soldiers even any weapons, defensive or otherwise, that will be a violation of what they said,” he said.