CHINESE Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on Monday said the Philippines is buying light firearms, and not heavy weapons, from China.
Zhao made the statement during a Christmas celebration he hosted for members of the media and friends in Makati City on Monday night.
However, contrary to what President Duterte said earlier that the weapons are ready for pickup, the ambassador said the arms deal is still in the initial stages of negotiations.
“Very initial, we’re exploring possibilities,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it is up to the Philippine government to decide from which country they would buy weapons they need at a reasonable price,” Zhao added.
When asked what kind of arms China is going to provide in case the arms deal pushes through, Zhao said: “Most likely, some light arms, not heavy equipment.”
“The arms that the Filipino side is interested in are arms for fighting terrorists and drug traffickers…things like that. It’s not heavy weapons or equipment.”
“You need it because you have so many new members of the police and the Army,” Zhao added. He refused to reveal the cost of the arms package, saying, “we’re not at that stage yet.”
At the same time, Zhao announced many positive developments between China and the Philippines in the immediate future.
“People-to-people contact will increase in the year 2017,” he said, and then, with feigned seriousness, he announced: “Let me say this to be very precise, in 2017 there will be more tropical-fruits exports to China. There will be more groundbreaking ceremonies of infrastructure projects.”
“Last, there will be more Chinese tourists coming to the Philippines.”
“We are friends and relatives. We should always advance our common interests; these are the things that unite us,” he added.
“Of course, our differences cannot go away tomorrow. What is important is that we handle this difference properly, so that we can continue to focus and enhance our common interests.”