Estrada says China's Jiang now a 'very close friend'

His visit may have been brief, but a few days was all that was needed for friendship to blossom between President Estrada and his counterpart from China.

The President, who flew home the other night to cut short a five-day state visit, spoke highly of President Jiang Zemin, referring to the Chinese leader as a "very close friend."

He recalled their chats during the state banquet at the Great Hall of the People on the first night of his visit.

"He was very warm. There is now rapport between the two of us," Mr. Estrada told reporters on the flight back to Manila.

Having met Jiang several times in the past, the President said his official and personal relationship with the Chinese leader has improved more than ever.

Mr. Estrada said his counterpart expressed deep appreciation for his decision to push through with the state visit despite the hostage crisis in Mindanao.

"You have guts, and you will win the war (in Mindanao)," he quoted the Chinese President as telling him.

Mr. Estrada had earlier been assailed by critics for leaving the country at a time of serious peace and order problems involving the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"We talked about the problems with the rebels... he pointed out how they had a similar problem in the past and how they were able to overcome it. He assured me that we too can overcome our problems," the President said.

Mr. Estrada said those words were very encouraging, coming from a leader "who defends more than 1.2 billion people."

During the visit, several agreements were signed between the two countries, including China's assistance of $53 million for the Philippine's food security program.

Although the Spratlys issue was discussed only in the broadest terms, Mr. Estrada said he was highly satisfied with China's recognition of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in resolving the territorial dispute.

The President's trip came a month before the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China.

To show the Philippine government's commitment to abide by its "One-China" policy, the President issued a directive yesterday barring all his Cabinet members from traveling to Taipei for the inaugural of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian.

"I have reaffirmed my commitment to the one-China policy," Mr. Estrada said, referring to the Joint Statement on the Framework of Bilateral Cooperation into the 21th Century, which was signed during his recent trip to Beijing.

During his meeting with Jiang, the President assured the Chinese leader that he will not be sending any official representative to the Taiwanese president's inaugural.

Mr. Estrada, however, clarified that he can only speak on behalf of the executive department.

"Members of Congress are beyond my jurisdiction. It's up to them," he said.

The One-China policy, which the Philippines forged with China on June 9, 1975, merely recognizes Taiwan as a province of the mainland.