China open to joint exploration: Padilla

“China will remain ready to coordinate with us to resolve issues there,” he said. (File Photo: Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB via Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senator Robin Padilla on Thursday said he was assured by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian that China will remain open to joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“China will remain ready to coordinate with us to resolve issues there,” he said.

Padilla’s statement came after a minor issue arose between a Chinese official and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri regarding the issue of the closure of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)

“I am happy to inform you that we senators had a good conversation with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian recently, with the goal of enhancing ties between our motherland the Philippines and China.” Padilla said.

He added that the Chinese government, through Ambassador Huang, is interested to know possible crimes related to POGO operations in our country to warn Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines.

Padilla said the Ambassador made it clear that China does not allow its citizens to gamble online, invest in online gambling businesses, or work in online gaming businesses such as POGOs.

Under China’s laws, it is a crime for Chinese nationals to gamble in other countries — and to open casinos attracting Chinese as primary customers.

Meanwhile, Padilla said he, along with Zubiri and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, also discussed other matters including renewable energy, electrical cars, e-commerce, and cultural exchanges between our nations. (Leonel Abasola/PNA)