PH gov’t sees better ties with China

Photo from DFA Facebook page

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs believes that the country will have better ties with China despite pushing for arbitration challenging Beijing’s claims in the disputed territories.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a speech during the awarding ceremony at The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City that President Aquino had a “casual, positive and sincere” conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Del Rosario was awarded the Management Man of the Year 2014 by the Management Association of the Philippines.

“Both presidents are desirous of improving relations and we believe that relations can be improved and we could do this without sacrificing our advocacies, including pursuing our maritime entitlements under UNCLOS through arbitration,” Del Rosario said in his speech.

He also said that the country’s foreign policy which is defined by the changing international environment and the government’s initiatives will continue to evolve.

The secretary said that President Aquino’s meeting with President Xi Jinping marks a positive development in the ties between the two countries.

He also shared the optimism of President Aquino with regards to future relations with China.