As Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang paid a courtesy go to on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Saturday, Marcos referred to as the assembly “useful” as current statements made by the Philippines and China might have been misinterpreted.
“Some of the pronouncements that have been made recently by our two countries and many other countries might be misinterpreted,” stated Marcos, in accordance with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
“So today it was really useful that we were able to speak with Minister Qin Gang, the Foreign Minister of China, so we can talk directly to one another and iron things out,” he added.
Marcos earlier admitted that he was surprised by the recent remarks of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, adding that he would speak with him soon to get a clarification.
To recall, China recently advised the Philippines to oppose Taiwan’s independence instead of offering the United States’ access to military facilities near the Taiwan Strait.
Huang said the Philippine government should do this if it cares for the 150,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Marcos said he and Qin had a “very productive” meeting and were able to talk about the growing relationship between the Philippines and China.
“It’s very, very helpful and really, very productive that Minister Qin got here right here and that we had been capable of discuss issues slightly bit by, make plans for the long run, proceed to work on rising the connection between the Philippines and China, not solely within the financial area however within the cultural and academic and different exchanges,” the President stated.
As to attainable conflicts, Marcos stated he and Qin agreed to determine extra traces of communications in order that any occasion that happens within the West Philippine Sea that entails China and the Philippines might instantly be resolved.
“So we are currently working on that and are awaiting the Chinese response and we are confident that these issues would be worked out that would be mutually beneficial for both our nations,” he added.
Qin was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Huang throughout the assembly, in accordance with a “24 Oras Weekend” report on Saturday.
Several authorities officers, together with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, additionally attended the assembly.
Manalo and Qin earlier held a bilateral assembly.
During the assembly, the Foreign Affairs Secretary stated “differences” between the Philippines and China shouldn’t stand in the best way of managing the 2 nations’ territorial dispute within the South China Sea, including Manila meant to “work closely” with Beijing in bolstering their financial ties.
For his half, Qin stated China and the Philippines “need to work together to continue our tradition of friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and properly resolve our differences in the spirit of credibility, consultation and dialogue.”
Meanwhile, Manalo urged China to “endeavor to elevate our bilateral relations to even greater heights” and “do everything possible to ensure that the Philippines and China will continue the positive trajectory of our relations which has been elevated to that of Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation since 2018.”
He added that he would push for additional diversification of the 2 nations’ financial relations and “close off the trade gap between our two economies.” — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
