DFA: Maritime rows won’t define true PH-China relations

TRUE RELATIONS. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (left, in barong tagalog) shakes hand with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Pasay City, on Saturday (April 22, 2023). The two officials have agreed to “properly” discuss the two countries’ differences to manage maritime rows. (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Manila via PNA)

MANILA – Differences over the South China Sea should not prevent Manila and Beijing from seeking ways to manage the maritime rows, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said after his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on Saturday.

“Our leaders have agreed that our differences in the West Philippine Sea are not the sum (or) total of our relations,” Manalo said.

“These differences should not prevent us from seeking ways of managing them effectively, especially with respect to the enjoyment of rights of Filipinos, especially fisher folk whose livelihood and general well-being are undermined by incidents and actions in the West Philippine Sea.”

Qin, who arrived in Manila Saturday morning, is on an official visit until April 23 for a bilateral meeting with Manalo and a call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In his speech, Manalo expressed hope that his meeting with the Chinese official would give the two states an opportunity to make some ways to address common issues and challenges.

Since the start of the Marcos administration, the Philippines has filed dozens of diplomatic protests against China over the latter’s activities within the former’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

Qin, for his part, highlighted the need to work together to “properly resolve our differences in the spirit of credibility, consultation, and dialogue.”

Meanwhile, both agreed to exert effort to sustain the positive trajectory of Philippine-China relations, especially the gains reached after Marcos’ state visit to Beijing in January.

“China is ready to work with the Philippines to truly implement the consensus between the Presidents of our two countries, keep to the direction of friendship of our two countries, and jointly uphold a larger picture of our bilateral relationship,” Qin said.

Manalo said the DFA would work closely with the Chinese Foreign Ministry to further strengthen economic ties between the two nations and to close the trade gap.

He also hoped to bolster cooperation in the areas of agriculture and infrastructure development, energy, science and technology, and even tourism.

“The revival of tourism, resumption of flights, and exchanges of students, teachers, and workers will further strengthen our people-to-people linkages,” he said.

“These will also support the Philippines’ eight-point economic agenda to improve the lives of Filipinos and likewise, benefit our friends from China.”