Hopes up for better PH-China ties

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has aired optimism that the much- awaited meeting between President Aquino and Chinese President Xi Jinping will result in a breakthrough in the restoration of strong diplomatic ties between their countries.

Hailing the Aquino- Jinping meeting as an “icebreaker” for the return of a friendly atmosphere in the relationship of Philippines and China, Belmonte said he is positive that the two leaders will take advantage of the situation in finding new ways of resolving the West Philippine Sea territorial issue.

The West Philippine sea dispute has triggered the souring of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China with the latter pursuing its territorial claim in the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.

“I congratulate both our President and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their sincerity at seeking peace and stability in the region through this brief but significant meeting that sets the stage not only for harmony but also for a future that sees more vibrant diplomatic relations with our Asian neighbors based on mutual trust and confidence,” Belmonte said in a statement.

Belmonte stressed that existing cultural and economic ties between the two countries should remain to be strong, adding that this “cannot be denied nor ignored.”

Aquino and Xi had a ten-minute informal talk after both attended the treeplanting ceremony during the recent summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held in Beijing.

Foreign media reported noted that the two leaders showed sincerity and warmth during their talks.

While the sea issue was discussed “in passing,” the meeting was hailed by diplomats as a good start for the return of warm relationship between the two countries.