Manila, February 16 (AseanAll) — On February 15, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian went to the headquarters of the Philippine Army to meet with the Chief of Staff of the the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Santino.
Photo Source:the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines
According to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on the implementation of the important consensus of the two heads of state, the promotion of military exchanges and cooperation between China and the Philippines, and the proper control of maritime differences.
Photo Source:the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines
Huang Xilian said that not long ago, President Marcos' state visit to China achieved fruitful results, and the two heads of state reached a series of important consensus on the development of China-Philippines relations. At present, both sides are actively implementing the consensus of the two heads of state and strive to achieve some tangible and tangible results that will benefit the two peoples as soon as possible.
Huang said that China-Philippines relations are at a new historical starting point, and the bilateral military relations are also facing new development opportunities. China is willing to work with the Philippines to thoroughly implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries, and make contributions to regional and world peace and stability.
Photo Source:the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines
The Ambassador stressed that the two heads of state reached an important consensus on the proper settlement of the differences in the South China Sea, agreed to strengthen the construction of mechanisms, properly handle differences through dialogue, and actively expand practical cooperation. The two heads of state agreed that maritime differences should not be allowed to affect the overall development of China-Philippines relations.
"It is hoped that the Philippines and China will move in the opposite direction, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly control differences, avoid hype, eliminate external interference, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the South China Sea and the region under the guidance of the consensus strategy of the two heads of state," said Huang.
Photo Source:the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines
The two sides exchanged views on the recent maritime incidents and the establishment and improvement of the China-Philippines maritime communication and liaison mechanism.
Recently, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel directed a military-grade laser light at a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship in the South China Sea. On February 13, the Philippines accused China of acting "dangerously", while China responded with "restraint and professionalism".
Photo Source:Philippine Coast Guard
In a statement on February 13, the PCG said that a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel directed a military-grade laser light at a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship on a rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy (PN) in Ayungin Shoal(China calls it “Ren'ai Reef” ) in the South China Sea on February 6.
On February 14, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)of the Philippines protested to China about the incident. On the afternoon of that day, the Philippine President summoned the Chinese Ambassador to express “serious concern” about the incident.
Photo Source:Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China responded to the incident twice on February 13 and 14.
On February 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to the accusations of the Philippines at a regular press conference. Wang said that the Ren'ai Reef （Ayungin Shoal ）is part of China's Nansha Islands. On February 6, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel intruded into the waters off the Ren’ai Reef without Chinese permission. In accordance with China’s domestic law and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the China Coast Guard ship upheld China’s sovereignty and maritime order and acted in a professional and restrained way.
Photo Source:the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
“We hope the Philippine side will respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and avoid taking any actions that may exacerbate disputes and complicate the situation,” said Wang.
On February 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to the protests of the Philippines and criticized the United States." We would like to emphasize again that what the China Coast Guard did was professional and restrained, " said Wang.
Photo Source:the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
The Spokesperson said that China and the Philippines have communicated about this through existing maritime-related communication channel between the foreign ministries. At present, the relevant waters are calm overall.
Wang Wenbin point out that the South China Sea arbitration case brought by the Philippines was pure political drama orchestrated by the US. Its so-called ruling is illegal, null and void and will have no effect whatsoever on China’s claims to rights in the South China Sea.
“The US invokes its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines at every turn in an attempt to intimidate China, but it will not weaken our resolve and will to safeguard China’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests，”Wang said.
On the evening of February 14, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines released a message that on February 14, 2023, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian met with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.. They exchanged views on how to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines.
Photo Source:Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines
