[ad_1]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 3) – There are no violations in the projects of Chinese companies in the Philippines, according to Beijing, who welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s refusal to follow the sanctions imposed by the United States on companies involved in illegal activities in the South China Sea.
Speaking at a regular press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying once again praised Duterte’s independent foreign policy.
“The practical cooperation between China and the Philippines has always been based on mutual respect and mutual benefit,” Hua said. “All the projects are in accordance with the laws and regulations of the two countries.”
Hua made the remarks when asked to respond to presidential spokesman Harry Roque’s statement that all deals with Chinese companies will be carried out, despite a different proposal from Foreign Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr.
Locsin said last week that it will recommend terminating contracts with Chinese companies behind the incursions into disputed waters. This was after Washington blacklisted China Communications Construction Company and its subsidiaries, including China Airport Construction Corporation, which is a partner of MacroAsia Corporation of Taipan Lucio Tan in upgrading Sangley Airport in Cavite province.
Roque clarified Thursday that Locsin’s statement was only a recommendation, while the president remains the main architect of foreign policy.
READ: ‘No conflict’ between Duterte and Locsin over call to end agreements with Chinese companies involved in maritime dispute
Earlier this week, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, described the activities of Chinese companies in the South China Sea as “nation-building” that is “within their sovereignty.”
Both Hua and Huang underscored the positive results of the two countries ‘cooperation in the Philippines’ massive Build, Build, Build infrastructure program and the China Belt and Road Initiative.
Duterte has fostered friendship with China despite its continued rejection of victory in the Philippine arbitration, which recognized its sovereign rights over areas within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone that Beijing claims. China insists on owning the entire South China Sea, including the areas that Manila claims as the Western Philippine Sea.
The United States does not claim any part of the world’s waterway, but conducts freedom of navigation operations and opposes China’s alleged militarization of disputed areas.
[ad_2]
