Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28) — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo stressed that while they have yet to receive official communication from their Chinese counterparts on the possible joint military exercises with Beijing, the offer will be evaluated before they can make any recommendations.
Manalo was reacting to the statement made by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner Jr. that Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian informally offered a possible Philippine-China joint military exercises.
“We have to see first on what they are proposing before we can make any recommendation,” said Manalo.
The DFA chief said that his office has yet to receive any documents or official communication from the Chinese side.
“I have not been involved with my counterpart,” Manalo said in an interview with reporters.
During the 96th Anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on Thursday, Brawner floated the “informal proposal” of China to hold joint military exercises.
Brawner, however, did not go into specifics on where and when the military exercises will be held.
“Well, they offered us that prospect, but we must study first. Informal lang. The ambassador [Huang Xilian] said they submitted white papers, but we have to study,” said Brawner.
At the same event, Huang reiterated that China is ready to engage with the Philippines and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
“China is willing to work with the Philippines to adhere to independence and good neighborliness, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, properly manage differences through consultation and dialogue,” the Chinese envoy added.
