PRESIDENT Duterte expressed his confidence that the “strengthened” cooperation between the Philippines and China would hasten the two nations’ economic recovery, as he welcomed Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi at the Malacañang over the weekend.
In a press statement, the Palace said the Chief Executive emphasized the need to further boost the two countries’ cooperation on the massive “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure undertaking, as well as access to “safe and effective” vaccines against the pandemic to safeguard the health of Filipino and Chinese nationals alike.
Duterte, as quoted by the Palace, stated that “the recovery of nations…sits on the back of stronger economies.” For his part, Wang declared that “China will continue to support the Philippines’s recovery through enhanced economic [links].”
“[The President] lauded the continued high-level engagement between the Philippines and China even amid the ongoing global pandemic, and stressed the importance of both sides delivering on the promises of [their] Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation,” the Palace disclosed.
The Chinese official also noted it is his government’s resolve to support the Philippines’s efforts to combat the ongoing contagion as a manifestation of the continued cooperation between Manila and Beijing.
“Responding positively to President Duterte’s call to prioritize infrastructure and reaffirmation of the importance of China’s support for…Build, Build, Build, the state councilor and foreign minister reiterated China’s determination to complete pending infrastructure projects,” Malacañang said.
The Palace shared that Wang also underscored China’s commitment under President Xi Jinping to work closely with the Philippines “to sustain the positive trajectory of the valued and special bilateral relations.”
A highlight of the meeting was the Asian superpower’s donation of half a million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines from Chinese developer Sinovac Biotech Ltd., which is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on February 20.
“He [Wang] likewise affirmed China’s resolve to do everything to ensure that vaccines become a global good,” according to Malacañang.
It said Duterte extended his appreciation for China’s continuing support and cooperation in the country’s fight against Covid-19 by way of providing medical equipment and supplies, sharing of experiences and expertise, as well as the repatriation of Filipino nationals.
Wang’s courtesy call lasted for 40 minutes, said Malacañang. The Chinese delegation included Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Ministry of Commerce Vice Minister Qian Keming, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Wu Jianghao, and China International Development Cooperation Agency’s Vice Chairman Deng Boqing.
Joining Duterte during the meeting were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Chief of Presidential Protocol Undersecretary Robert E.A. Borje, Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Y.C. Joven and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Nathaniel G. Imperial.
Image credits: DFA