Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — The Philippines and China have agreed to resolve differences and address common challenges as the nations’ top diplomats meet amid brewing regional tensions.
In a joint statement for their bilateral meeting in Manila on Saturday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Chinese counterpart, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, acknowledged the need to work on these issues to further boost bilateral ties.
\”We need to [p]roperly resolve our differences in the spirit of credibility, consultation, and dialogue, and keep our promises to each other so as to bring more benefits to our two countries and people and inject greater positive energy to the peace and stability of this region and the whole world,\” Qin told Manalo during their first in-person meeting.
\”Amid the fluid and turbulent regional situation, a healthy and stable China-Philippines relationship is not only meeting the aspirations of our two peoples, but also in line with the common aspirations of regional countries,\” he added.
Manalo, for his part, said Manila and Beijing’s conflicting views on the West Philippine Sea should not be viewed as the sum total of their relations.
He expressed belief that these differences \”should not prevent us from seeking ways of managing them effectively.\”
\”Especially with respect to the enjoyment of rights of Filipinos, especially fisherfolk whose livelihood and general well-being are undermined by incidents and actions in the West Philippine Sea,\” the DFA chief stressed.
A 2016 ruling of a tribunal in The Hague invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea. It also recognized Manila’s sovereign rights in areas within its exclusive economic zone, which Beijing contests.
Despite the landmark decision, the East Asian giant continued with its incursions in the waterway, with their ships and militia sighted in parts of Philippine territory.
READ: Maritime row with China a ‘serious concern’ for Filipinos – DFA
Meanwhile, Manalo vowed that the Philippines will continue to work with China — which he labeled as one of the country’s top trading partners — to further strengthen their economic relations.
\”Our cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure development, energy, and science and technology are important elements of bilateral economic ties,\” Manalo said. \”The revival of tourism, resumption of flights, and exchanges of students, teachers, and workers will further strengthen our people-to-people linkages.\”
