PH, China agree to elevate ties Xi hopes both nations would stay united and ‘create a better tomorrow’
The Philippines and China have committed to remain “good friends and good neighbors” after upgrading their alliance to “strategic cooperation” that will benefit both nations and contribute to regional peace and stability.
“The President and I agreed to elevate our relationship to one of comprehensive strategic cooperation,” Xi said during the state banquet hosted by President Duterte
at the Palace Tuesday night
“This decision, which will mark a new milestone in our relations, speaks of our shared determination to be good friends and good neighbors. We are truly pleased with this decision,” he said.
Xi recognized that the ties between China and the Philippines have always been “a relationship between equals,” and “a relationship between two good neighbors.”
Sea of peace The Chinese leader, in a separate meeting with former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Wednesday, vowed that the South China Sea will be a “sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation” between the Philippines and China.
In that meeting with Congress leaders, Xi reportedly assured that China will focus on cooperating and building closer ties with the Philippines instead on delving on the dispute over the West Philippine Sea.
Both countries had earlier agreed to a joint oil and gas exploration deal, one of the 29 agreements signed during Xi’s state visit to the county.
During the state banquet Tuesday, Xi admitted there were “obstacles” in the past but the bilateral relations have been placed on the “right trajectory” since Duterte assumed office in 2016. He also praised Duterte for his leadership, even likening him to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
“After President Duterte took office, our two sides have worked together to remove many obstacles. Our relationship has been turned around and put on the right trajectory,” he said.
“I commend the President for taking on Jose Rizal’s mantle and for his commitment to an independent Philippines,” he added.
Create a better tomorrow The visiting Chinese leader said he hopes the two nations would stay united and “create a better tomorrow for both of our countries.”
Duterte, in his remarks, hailed the stronger Philippine-China relations following the state visit of Xi to the country, the first in more than a decade.
Both leaders have agreed to “forge a new legacy of friendship and cooperation as we work together in further consolidating ties with both our nations.”
“I stand here optimistic that we will sustain the momentum in moving our relationship even further, and that the friendship between our countries will continue to flourish in the years to come,” Duterte said.
“I am hopeful that through our cooperation, opportunities for greater collaboration will further promote the prosperity and success of our nations, and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region,” he added.
The state banquet was attended by Sotto, Arroyo, other top government officials, and prominent businessmen.
The Palace guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner as well as world-class Filipino entertainment, led by international singer Lea Salonga.
Xi met with Sotto and Arroyo as well as members of the Filipino-Chinese business community before ending his two-day state visit to the country.
Sotto, who led the Senate contingent in the courtesy call on Xi, stressed the importance of the good diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Sotto said, “There is certainly much more that binds the Philippines and China together than what may divide the two.”
Controversies set aside Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was with the Senate contingent, said Xi had cited his discussions with President Duterte about the territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The two leaders, Zubiri said, had decided to forego in the meantime the “controversial issues” as they concentrate on strengthening their countries’ friendship.
Among Xi's commitment was the setting up of a “maritime mechanism” which would supposedly be the liaison between the Philippine government and the Chinese government, particularly in accessing the West Philippines Sea.
It would serve as an “automatic” system to immediately resolve tensions between Philippine and China vessels in the contested waters, Zubiri said.
Xi, Zubiri added, promised that the Filipino fishermen “will not be harassed” when they sail over the West Philippines Sea.
Trade, tourism
Aside from the issue on the South China Sea, the meeting with Xi also concentrated on trade and commerce between the Philippines and China.
Zubiri said lawmakers also welcomed Xi's expression of commitment on strengthening the Philippines' tourism sector, particularly by encouraging Chinese foreigners to visit the country.
Jobs for teachers, nurses
Xi said the Chinese government is also "looking forward" to accommodate more Filipino English teachers in China.
Zubiri said China will “make it easier” for Filipinos who are applying for English teaching positions to acquire working visas.
Besides teachers, the Chinese president said they are mulling on increasing job opportunities for Filipino nurses.
War on drugs, terrorism
During the courtesy meeting, the Duterte government’s war on drugs was briefly discussed as Xi expressed his “full support” for the campaign against illegal drugs, as well as terrorism.
Zubiri said Xi and President Duterte had already discussed “on a personal level” the big-time smuggling of illegal drugs from China during their bilateral meeting Tuesday night.
Xi supposedly said that he and Duterte spoke about how to improve the anti-drug campaign, particularly the cases of drug smuggling.
Arroyo, who led the House contingent, thanked the Chinese leader for the general support he has demonstrated toward development of the Philippines.
“On the part of the House of Representatives, to help maximize the benefits of increased joint activity with China, our legislative agenda is focused on areas that are essential to economic activity such as generating fiscal resources to improve our country’s infrastructures,” the former chief executive said.
China’s impressive growth
Arroyo praised China’s leaders for the speedy and impressive growth of the Asian nation, “particularly during the last 40 years.”
“In the last 40 years, China has shown the world that rapid economic growth and modernization is possible with a combination of vision, political will, and open and responsible relations with other nations,” she said.
She said China was able to achieve in 40 years what other countries can do in a longer span of 200 years.
“So we congratulate you for that. It is good for China, it is good for the Philippines, it is good for the world,” she said. (With a report from Ben R. Rosario)