Philippines to China: A Friendly Relationhip

Expect more of the high-level meetings and "friendly exchanges" between the Philippines and China in the next two years, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

According to DFA, they expressed confidence in their meetings between Manila and Beijing would follow the just-concluded 17th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations or FMC in Beijing.

"The 17th FMC kicked off a series of high-level visits and meetings between the two governments and numerous cultural and people-to-people endeavors during the Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges in 2012 and 2013," said the foreign office.

"The two sides had friendly and constructive talks and affirmed the commitment of the two governments to promote the comprehensive development of bilateral relations, such as in the areas of energy, science and technology, disaster mitigation, law enforcement, and maritime cooperation, among others." DFA added.

Foreign Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio and Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin lead the Philippine and Chinese panels at the 17th FMC. The discussions "sought to advance the consensus reached by the two sides at the highest levels during President Aquino's state visit to China last year." Basilio said.

During her trip to the Chinese capital, Basilio also met with Zhang Zhijun, executive vice minister of the Chinese foreign ministry. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi agreed to maintain close political cooperation, including high-level visits and defense and security cooperation.

Del Rosario flew to China in mid-2011 on Yang's invitation in the midst of mounting tension over the two countries' conflicting claims in the potentially resource-rich Spratly group of islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

According to Del Rosario's statement, The Chinese foreign ministry said that both officials "exchanged views on the maritime disputes and agreed not to let them affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries."

Beijing's official news agency, Xinhua, quoted Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping as describing the meeting "productive," in addition that Beijing is "committed to remaining a good neighbor, a good friend and a good partner of the Philippines." — CHAZ