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Palace welcomes PHL-China statement on Spratlys dispute


Malacañang on Saturday welcomed the joint statement of the Philippines and China to maintain their friendship amid the tension involving a territorial row over the Spratly Islands. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the joint communiqué by the two camps should ease tension on the long-running dispute. “Yes, that is definitely a good development. Tulad ng sinabi ni Secretary Del Rosario, we should not let one issue get in the way of broader good relations with China," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. She also said the communiqué echoes the Philippine position that all claimants to the Spratlys should come up with a peaceful solution. The Philippines and China had traded barbs over their claims to the Spratlys, following recent encounters in areas claimed by Philippines. Aside from the Philippines and China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to the Spratlys. “It [the joint statement] echoes our position despite the nagkaroon ng di-pagkakaintindihan sa issue sa Kalayaan Group, committed ang lahat na claimants to have peaceful solution and work it out diplomatically," Valte said. When asked if Friday’s development will ease tensions, Valte said the Palace is “hopeful" it will. “Sana (We hope so). We are hopeful it will ease tension. It’s a sensitive issue as it is. We are hoping tensions will decrease para mas makapag-usap tayo (so we can discuss) how to maintain peace and stability in that region," she said. On Friday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met with Vice President Xi Jinping and had talks with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. In a statement issued by the Philippines and China, both sides gave a “positive assessment" of the progress made over the past 36 years since China and the Philippines established diplomatic relations. “They 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," it added. Manila and Beijing likewise reaffirmed their commitments to respect and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN member countries in 2002. “Both Ministers exchanged views on the maritime disputes and agreed not to let the maritime disputes affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," the statement said. Both sides also reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Joint Action Plan (JAP) for Strategic Cooperation signed on 29 October 2009. The statement said the two countries will maintain close political cooperation including high-level visits and defense and security cooperation. Aquino’s state visit Also, both camps discussed the forthcoming state visit to China of President Benigno Aquino III, and agreed to work together to make it a full success. Del Rosario and Yang are committed to focus on advancing practical cooperation for the benefit of both countries and people. 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. Moreover, they discussed China's possible participation in Philippine Public-Private Partnership projects," the statement said. Both sides likewise agreed to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges including twinning or sister-city arrangements, tourism, education, and media cooperation. They noted the need for an increased collaboration in the fight against transnational crimes including drug and human trafficking and the protection of nationals. Both ministers agreed to further strengthen the bonds and friendship and cooperation between the two countries and to fully implement the Joint Action Plan. — LBG, GMA News

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