Palace: China willing to aid PH in fight vs. COVID-19
Published Mar 12, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling
China is willing to extend assistance to the Philippines to battle the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Malacañang announced Thursday in the wake of the surge of infections in the country.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines Huang Xilian (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian made the offer after President Duterte cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s handling of the health emergency during their meeting at the Palace last Wednesday.
"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday received China Ambassador Huang Xilian, stressing the importance of continued economic cooperation as well as working together to addresses challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19," a Palace press statement read.
"Huang expressed solidarity with the Philippine government in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Chinese ambassador also conveyed China’s readiness to extend assistance,” it said.
In the meeting with the Chinese envoy, President Duterte also offered the country's sympathy and solidarity with the people of China affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
The government recently donated 52 boxes containing emergency medical and food supplies for the people of virus-hit Wuhan in Hubei province.
"He extended the Philippines’ solidarity with China and the international community in addressing the global public health emergency," the Palace said.
"President Duterte has noted President Xi Jinping’s handling of the health emergency," it added.
The World Health Organization has recently declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic after it rapidly spread from Wuhan to more than 100 countries in recent weeks.
The number of worldwide cases has reached more than 100,000 while the deaths have surpassed the 4,000 mark. More than 3,000 people have died due to the virus in China, mostly in Hubei province.
As of Wednesday, the Philippines has recorded 49 cases of infections, including two fatalities. A public health emergency has been declared over the country to intensify efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
Closer Philippines-China economic cooperation
The Philippines and China have also agreed to sustain economic cooperation, including the area of infrastructure development.
According to the Palace, the President recognized China's "continued support to the socio-economic agenda of his administration."
As the two nations mark the 45th year of diplomatic relations this June, Duterte expressed hope that "China will continue to extend support and fast track infrastructure development."
"He looks forward to a more robust trade with China, with a greater and improved access for Philippine exports to the Chinese market," the Palace said.
Huang also assured the President about China’s commitment for "a deeper cooperation" with the Philippines especially in infrastructure development, according to the Palace.
"He noted the steady progress in the joint infrastructure projects over the past two years," it said.
The President previously declared that the Philippines and China continue to be "two great friends" despite a lingering territorial conflict. He has pursued bilateral dialogue with China to manage the dispute in the West Philippine Sea while seeking closer economic and security ties at the start of his term.
Recently, the offshore gaming operations mostly run by Chinese nationals have been under scrutiny over alleged criminal and other illegal activities. The President, however, refused to suspend or shut down these offshore gambling services, insisting they are "clean" and provide huge revenues for the government.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines Huang Xilian (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian made the offer after President Duterte cited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s handling of the health emergency during their meeting at the Palace last Wednesday.
"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday received China Ambassador Huang Xilian, stressing the importance of continued economic cooperation as well as working together to addresses challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19," a Palace press statement read.
"Huang expressed solidarity with the Philippine government in its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Chinese ambassador also conveyed China’s readiness to extend assistance,” it said.
In the meeting with the Chinese envoy, President Duterte also offered the country's sympathy and solidarity with the people of China affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
The government recently donated 52 boxes containing emergency medical and food supplies for the people of virus-hit Wuhan in Hubei province.
"He extended the Philippines’ solidarity with China and the international community in addressing the global public health emergency," the Palace said.
"President Duterte has noted President Xi Jinping’s handling of the health emergency," it added.
The World Health Organization has recently declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic after it rapidly spread from Wuhan to more than 100 countries in recent weeks.
The number of worldwide cases has reached more than 100,000 while the deaths have surpassed the 4,000 mark. More than 3,000 people have died due to the virus in China, mostly in Hubei province.
As of Wednesday, the Philippines has recorded 49 cases of infections, including two fatalities. A public health emergency has been declared over the country to intensify efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
Closer Philippines-China economic cooperation
The Philippines and China have also agreed to sustain economic cooperation, including the area of infrastructure development.
According to the Palace, the President recognized China's "continued support to the socio-economic agenda of his administration."
As the two nations mark the 45th year of diplomatic relations this June, Duterte expressed hope that "China will continue to extend support and fast track infrastructure development."
"He looks forward to a more robust trade with China, with a greater and improved access for Philippine exports to the Chinese market," the Palace said.
Huang also assured the President about China’s commitment for "a deeper cooperation" with the Philippines especially in infrastructure development, according to the Palace.
"He noted the steady progress in the joint infrastructure projects over the past two years," it said.
The President previously declared that the Philippines and China continue to be "two great friends" despite a lingering territorial conflict. He has pursued bilateral dialogue with China to manage the dispute in the West Philippine Sea while seeking closer economic and security ties at the start of his term.
Recently, the offshore gaming operations mostly run by Chinese nationals have been under scrutiny over alleged criminal and other illegal activities. The President, however, refused to suspend or shut down these offshore gambling services, insisting they are "clean" and provide huge revenues for the government.