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President Duterte in a meeting with the State Councilor and Minister of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China, General Wei Fenghe (presidential photo). (From left to right) Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Chinese Defense Chief General Wei Fenghe, President Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Senator Bong Go.
MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the disputed South China Sea on Friday during Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe’s courtesy call to the CEO.
“We must always be guided by our commitments in international law. Each and every dispute must be resolved peacefully in accordance with UNCLOS and all relevant international instruments, ”Duterte said, as quoted in a Palace statement.
The president also stressed the importance of concluding an “effective and substantial” Code of Conduct on disputed waters, saying it will be a “lasting legacy” for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China.
Wei, for his part, thanked the president and “conveyed the importance with which President Xi Jinping and China agree on relations with President Duterte and the Philippines.”
The Chinese Defense Minister also expressed his willingness to work with the Philippines on “maritime cooperation, advance negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and manage differences to ensure peace and stability in the China Sea. Southern”.
Wei’s visit came as the country opposed China’s continuing aggression in the Western Philippine Sea (WPS).
His visit to Manila is part of his tour of ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
Calls to terminate government contracts with Chinese companies involved in the construction of China’s artificial islands on maritime features in the WPS also gained ground following the US decision to sanction and blacklist two dozen Chinese companies and officials. associates for participating in the construction of artificial islands in disputed waters. in the South China Sea.
EDV
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