The relationship between the Philippines and China is positively developing under President Rodrigo Dutert, said the Beijing envoy. This came after Duterte has expressed his desire to open up economic alliances with China and Russia.
In an embassy reception on September 27, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua praised Duterte in his speech. He also mentioned that China is giving their full support to the president in his anti-drugs campaign.
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Duterte already said in a speech earlier this week that instead of the United States, he is willing to open up the Philippines for trading with China and Russia. Ambassador Zhao said that they have continuously engaged with the Philippines in friendly talks after Duterte assumed his position.
“The clouds are fading away. The sun is rising over the horizon and will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations,” Zhao said in a speech on Wednesday.
This is a huge difference from the relationship of former President Benigno Aquino III with China, where he sought an international tribunal to help arrive to a decision about China’s claims over the South China Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration then issued a favorable ruling to the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.
Duterte, on the other hand, emphasized that instead of enforcing the ruling, he will just continue to have peace talks with China.
Source: (rappler.com)
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