Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian on Monday called on the Philippines to continue the “important consensus” between President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping of setting aside the maritime disputes in the South China Sea as he criticized “some superpower” for stirring up rivalry and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Huang made this call in his remarks during the webinar organized by the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies and Center for Philippine Studies of Jinan University.
“Firstly, we should continuously deepen good neighborliness and friendship in spite of external disruptions. The important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, such as setting aside maritime disputes, managing the situation through bilateral consultations and enhancing dialogue and cooperation, have to be vigorously implemented by both sides, so that the hard-won sound momentum of bilateral relations could be well preserved and enhanced,” the Chinese envoy said.
Huang noted that China-Philippines relations have been moving along the upward trajectory and ushering in the New Golden Age under the leadership of both Xi and Duterte.
At the onset of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, he said both countries have spared no efforts to support and assist each other, nurturing a closer partnership in the same year the China and Philippines are celebrating the 45th year of the establishment of its diplomatic relations.
On top of the current situation, the Chinese diplomat said some superpower is wantonly bossing around to stir up rivalry and geopolitical tensions.
Both countries, he stressed, “should continue to manage maritime disputes through friendly dialogue and consultations, including the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) and advancing the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
In addition, he said Beijing and Manila should “not allow external powers to roil the waters in the South China Sea,” nor waver their commitment in pursuit of independent foreign policy and China-Philippines friendly relations.
“The Philippines’ future will not float in anywhere, but will be deeply rooted in its own national development, in a stable and amicable neighborhood, and in a peaceful and prosperous Asian region,” he said.
Lastly, he said both sides should explore new opportunities for common development under the new normal and in the post-pandemic era.
Huang assured that China will continue to engage with the Philippines in joint COVID-19 prevention and control and exchange experience on the resumption of work and production.
He likewise called on the two sides to step up efforts for the establishment of a “fast lane” for urgently needed personnel exchanges and “green corridor” for logistics to ensure stable industrial and supply chains.
“China stands ready to continue to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and Build, Build, Build program and accelerate the implementation of cooperation projects to stimulate economic recovery and growth of the Philippines,” he said.