PHL, China to maintain friendship amid Spratlys row

The Philippines and China on Friday agreed to maintain friendship ties despite renewed spats over territorial claims in the Spratly Islands. In a joint communiqué, top diplomats of the two countries agreed to “not let [the] maritime disputes affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation" between them. Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi issued the statement after a meeting that touched on a wide range of issues. Del Rosario also had the opportunity to meet China’s Vice President, Xi Jinping. The diplomats opted to avoid mentioning any of the disputed islands by name as both reaffirmed the 2002 commitments to respect and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Mindful of the 36-year PHL-China diplomatic ties, the ministers “agreed that maintaining healthy and stable development of bilateral ties serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and meets the common aspiration of the two peoples." Preparations for the forthcoming state visit of President Benigno Aquino III to China was discussed in the meeting. Also discussed during the China meeting was the “possible participation" of China in the public-private partnerships program of the Aquino administration. “In the economic and trade arena, both sides agreed to continue to enhance trade and investments. They also agreed to pursue cooperation in science and technology, agriculture and fisheries, food safety, human health, infrastructure and transportation," the joint statement also said. [See related story: PHL, China eye new initiatives in energy, transport, ICT A trade delegation from China’s northeastern province of Liaoning is touring Luzon until Sunday. They are searching for partners in agribusiness. Del Rosario and his counterpart also noted the need for “increased collaboration in the fight against transnational crimes including drug and human trafficking and the protection of nationals." The entry Filipino couriers of illegal drugs into China has been a recurring irritant in their countries’ relations, brought to fever pitch last March when China implemented the death sentences meted against three convicted Filipino drug mules. Meanwhile, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte has clarified the nature of the Department of Foreign Affairs' participation in a House of Representatives-commissioned study. "The focus of the study or the formation of the study group was to improve relations with Taiwan within the framework of the one-China policy. So walang napag-usapan na abrogation of the one-China policy," she said. — with a report by Earl Victor Rosero/LBG, GMA News