Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — China and the Philippines may enter a newfound coastguard partnership against drug trafficking, according to the country’s ambassador-delegate to China.
“There was a recent meeting between the two coastguards here in Manila,” Chito Sta. Romana disclosed on The Source. “One of the points agreed, or at least proposed, is the formation of a joint coastguard committee.”
The envoy shared that “one direction” of the committee included how to assist in catching illegal drugs.
He said that due to China’s death penalty for illegal drug trafficking, many pushers flee to countries with “more lax” security.
“Some of (the drugs) go around the sea, and this is where maritime cooperation can be done,” Sta. Romana said.
The potential partnership is another development in President Rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy shift away from the west and toward Asian neighbors. This includes friendlier ties with the eastern power, with whom the country shared tense relations over disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea.
Sta. Romana said that China has a “very strong anti-drug campaign,” of which the Philippines is starting “to feel the effects.”
He also raised China’s pledge of $50 million to the Philippine National Police to support the war on drugs.
“They are encouraging their philanthropists to make more in terms of rehabilitation centers,” Sta. Romana added.
The ambassador also refuted concerns conflict of interest between China’s relations with the Philippines and the presence of Chinese drug lords in the country.
He said that notions that the latter were state-supported were “erroneous.”
“Both sides are interested to go after these Chinese drug lords,” Sta. Romana said. “This is where there is basis for cooperation.”
Sta. Romana, who was appointed in October, is awaiting official acceptance of his diplomatic status.
He was based in Beijing as a foreign journalist for almost 30 years and looks forward to returning next year.
