Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 21) — Senator Francis Tolentino on Friday said the recent visit to China of former President Rodrigo Duterte is a good step in maintaining peace in the region.
“We want to have a peaceful Indochina Region and diplomacy would have to play a role,” Tolentino told CNN Philippines’ The Source. “I think former President Duterte did his part for the Filipino nation.”
According to China’s state media, Duterte met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a tweet that Xi “appreciates the strategic choice Mr. Duterte made to improve relations with China during his presidency.”
While he was president, Duterte maintained friendly ties with Beijing.
Tolentino said he was not privy to what was discussed during the meeting, but he expressed hopes it will lead \”to a more stable, peaceful, progressive Indo-Pacific region.”
“Any cooperation that would bring about peace and regional stability should be accessed, should be taken into account,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the senator also commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for naming Gen. Andres Centino as the presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea.
