South China Sea: Xi Jinping calls on ex-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to continue boosting ties
- Chinese president receives former leader in Beijing, telling him ‘I hope you will continue to play an important role in the friendly cooperation’
- Philippine media reports the purpose of Duterte’s visit was not apparent to Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs
During his presidency, which ended last year, Duterte “resolutely made the strategic choice of improving relations with China, with an attitude of being responsible to the people and history” and had put bilateral relations “back on the right track” to prosper, Xi said on Monday.
02:43
China and Asean renew agreement to develop code of conduct for South China Sea
“The development of the two countries is rooted in the good-neighbourly and friendly peripheral environment and the Asian family of win-win cooperation,” Xi told Duterte. “I hope you will continue to play an important role in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.”
The Philippines and several other countries have long-standing claims that rival Beijing’s in the region.
‘Sea of war’: Philippines mulls raising defence budget over South China Sea
In late June, the Philippine navy deployed for the first time its anti-submarine warfare assets to the West Philippine Sea – known in China as the eastern parts of the South China Sea – to boost the force’s capability to detect and hit enemy vessels.
Compared with his successor who took office in June last year, Duterte adopted a more pro-China stance during his six-year tenure.
Duterte thanked China for its “valuable support for the economic and social development of the Philippines, especially for its generous help for the Philippines in fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic,” Xinhua quoted him as saying.
In April, Manila gave the US – its long-time security ally – access to four additional bases near the Taiwan Strait and the contested South China Sea. The decision was condemned by China as “stoking the fire” of regional tension.
Duterte questioned the decision to grant the US greater military access, telling domestic media it would be “pretty naive” to think Washington would not deploy nuclear warheads to the Philippines.
02:05
US and Philippines launch ‘biggest ever’ joint marine exercises near disputed waters
On Monday, Xi said China upheld the policy of neighbourhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and had always been committed to forging friendship and partnership with its neighbours.
“China always attaches importance to China-Philippines relations and is willing to work with the Philippines to promote the steady and long-term development of their relations,” China’s president said.
Duterte reportedly said he would like to continue to play a part in promoting the bilateral friendship.
Philippines’ Marcos admits abuses in Duterte’s war on drugs
The purpose of Duterte’s visit was not clear to the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines, according to The Manila Times.
