Aquino: Nations should have ‘mutual respect’

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered the keynote speech speech at the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, an annual forum that discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region. The President discussed PH-JP relations, developments in the PH, and regional concerns. The President is in Japan for a four-day state visit, on the invitation of the Japanese government. (Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Aquino yesterday called for the observance of “mutual respect” among nations, amid the ongoing tensions in the disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Aquino also asked the people to help the administration to maintain the permanence of “positive change” in  the country.

“I ask you to join me in a toast, to the continued success of the Filipino people: may we further harness our unity as we tread the straight path, towards ensuring the permanence of positive change,” he said during the traditional vin d’honneur in celebration of the country’s 117th Independence Day anniversary yesterday.

The statement was made following the ongoing tensions between the China and the Philippines as both the countries claim portions of the disputed region.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua attended yesterday’s even.

“Excellencies, as we are determined to join your nations in the struggle to overcome the obstacles you face, so too do we ask you to join us,” he told his audience, who also included national and local officials, senators and congressmen, as well as Cabinet members.

“In this way, we can truly forge a global community in which each nation-state realizes that their growth and stability hinge on their ability to work with others,” the President said.

Jianhua earlier skipped the advance Independence day celebration last Monday, which was sponsored by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.

The day also marked the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines as well as the 14th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.