AMID government preparations for bilateral talks with China in October, the country’s tourism industry is expected to benefit from President Duterte’s conciliatory stance toward Beijing, as Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said China plans to send more than 1 million Chinese tourists to the Philippines by the end of 2017.
“In the first half of 2016, the number of Chinese tourists increased by 79 percent and, given the rapid rate, the number will exceed 1 million by the end of 2017,” Zhao said.
He said both China and the Philippines share the common goal of promoting the interests of vast majority of developing countries, particularly when it comes to mutual respect and equality, and the fundamental policy of noninterference in domestic affairs.
“Illegal drugs is the enemy of all mankind. It is the shared responsibility of all countries to fight against drug-related crimes. The Chinese government is a staunch force in the international campaign against drug crimes,” he said.
“The Chinese side fully understands and firmly supports the Duterte administration’s policy that prioritizes the fight against drug crimes, and we stand ready to continue to cooperate with the Philippines by providing further assistance and jointly implementing bilateral plans of action,” Zhao added.
Zhao said Beijing is open to talks, but made no commitment to discussing President Duterte’s appeal to allow Filipino fishermen to return to the Scarborough Shoal during the Philippine leader’s visit to China sometime in October.
“We would like to discuss this issue with the Philippines and that we can look at the possibilities on how we could handle it properly,” Zhao said in an interview.
Asked if Mr. Duterte’s demand for the return of Filipinos’ fishing rights at the Scarborough will be allowed by China, Zhao said: “Yes, you can say it. But the President has already made it clear that if he goes to China, he said…we’re going to focus on issues that unite us, instead of issues that will divide us.”
President Duterte said he wants China to comply with the international ruling, but maintains a conciliatory stance toward Beijing, which accused the Philippine government under then-President Benigno S. Aquino III of stirring up tensions in the resource-rich waters when Manila sued them before an international court.
The President’s position indicates that he does not want to antagonize Beijing, as the Philippines prepares for bilateral talks to repair strained ties with its Asian neighbor and for China to eventually allow Filipino fishermen back to the Scarborough Shoal.
“We quite understand that your President is concerned about the well-being of your fishermen, and our fishermen also suffered from this kind of tension. So, based on traditional friendship and brotherhood, we would like to figure out how we can handle it,” Zhao said.
What’s important, he noted, is for both sides to commit to “peaceful means” to settle differences through “friendly bilateral dialogues and negotiations.”
“As friends and partners, as long as China and the Philippines maintain the political willingness to resolve problems, there will be no insurmountable obstacles in the future development of bilateral relations,” he said.
Under President Duterte’s predecessor, Aquino, relations with China were severely strained over escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims. But Mr. Duterte has taken steps to bring the relationship back to normal.
The President also said he is considering bolstering defense cooperation with China, and even Russia, and hinted that he wants both countries to supply the Philippine military with their armaments, traditionally acquired from the country’s long-time treaty ally, the United States, and Western partners.
“Ever since President Duterte took office, China and the Philippines have been engaging in friendly interactions, which have yielded a series of positive results,” Zhao said.
Zhao said people often ask him what are the secrets behind China’s great success and shared the secrets with the audience “and you don’t have to keep it confidential.”
“Secret No. 1, a strong leadership that is dedicated to the wellbeing of the people, and a leadership that takes improving people’s lives as the fundamental goal of national economic and social development.
Secret No. 2, a consistent and correct national development strategy that allows flexible changes and adjustments with the times. We are now implementing the 13th five-year plan of national development.
Secret No. 3, a hardworking and diligent people who are willing to work long hours and spare no efforts in striving for a better life.
Secret No. 4, a stable, peaceful and cooperative regional and international environment, which allows us to concentrate on national development, which enables us to be No. 1 trading partner of over 100 countries.