Xi “full of expectations” ahead of state visit to the Philippines

November 19, 2018

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday outlined several areas of cooperation that Manila and Beijing should work on a day before his state visit to the Philippines.

“I am full of expectations as I am about to set foot on this beautiful land, an ever-growing nation and home to an honest and friendly people. I wish to convey my cordial greetings and best wishes to the people of the Philippines,” Xi said in a statement sent to the media by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Xi said he hopes China and the Philippines would always “come to each other’s help” and write “new chapters of friendship.”

“In just a little more than two years, China has become the Philippines’ largest trading partner, largest export market and largest source of imports, and the second largest source of tourists,” said Xi.

“There has been a surge of interest for private investment in each other’s countries, and interactions between our cultural groups have been frequent.”

He said more Philippine fruits are coming to China and more Philippine scenic spots are being included in the itinerary of Chinese tourists.

China, he added, supports the Philippines’ fight against drugs and terrorism and its post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Marawi, which was attacked by Islamic State militants in 2017.

Xi proposed four areas of cooperation, which he said will be discussed in his talks with Duterte.

First, he said both countries should deepen political mutual trust, noting that differences, particularly in the South China Sea, should be “properly handled” through “friendly consultations, enhance dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues.<

Second is to enhance practical cooperation to cement the foundation of China-Philippine relations, Xi said.

With its “unique geographical advantage,” the Philippines is a natural partner in its Belt and Road Initiative, said Xi, adding China wishes to work with the country in reviving its ancient maritime Silk Road.

China, Xi added, would like to explore cooperation with the Philippines in defense, drug control, counter-terrorism and law enforcement.

Third area of cooperation is to keep people-to-people ties strong and that there should be “interactions between our political parties, parliaments, think tanks and at the local level,” Xi said.

Lastly, Xi said the Philippines and China should join hands to deepen East Asia cooperation for win-win results and work closely together in the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the World Trade Organization.

“China will remain committed to the path of peaceful development and will always stay as an anchor of peace and stability for the Asia-Pacific and the wider world,” Xi said. DMS