Chinese envoy urges cooperation, not confrontation

MANILA, Philippines - China called on all concerned parties to engage in cooperation instead of confrontation in the South China Sea, as Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao reiterated that Beijing is committed to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

In his speech at his post assumption reception at the Manila Hotel on Monday evening, Liu said that China follows the path of peaceful development and will work hard with other countries to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

He said Beijing maintains that “all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor are equal members of the international community.”

“China is committed to settling international disputes through peaceful means, and preserving international and regional security. In such a spirit we call on the parties concerned to engage in cooperation rather than confrontation in the South China Sea,” Liu said.

Beijing expressed readiness for a dialogue and cooperation to solve territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Diplomatic sources said Liu told Foreign Affairs officials of Beijing’s desire for dialogue and cooperation during a courtesy call at the Department of Foreign Affairs last week.

“The Ambassador reiterated that China would work together with the Philippines on this issue. He emphasized dialogue and cooperation to solve this issue,” a DFA official said.

“He said that China will cooperate,” another official said.

China warned non-parties to the South China Sea claims against “doing anything” that could escalate the tension in the region as Beijing defended the deployment of a fishery patrol ship to the Spratlys for maritime surveillance and fishery protection.

Chinese embassy spokesperson Hua Ye said China is open to a dialogue with the Philippines to resolve the diplomatic irritant following the signing of the new Philippine law defining the country’s baselines.

The Chinese embassy disclosed that they handed a note verbale to the DFA on Thursday protesting the signing of the Philippine Baseline Act.

China strongly opposed and “solemnly” protested the signing into law of Republic Act 9522 known as the Philippine Baseline Act, which defines Philippine territorial waters.

Liu said China and the Philippines are both developing countries to different degrees and the two countries have a lot to share with each other.

The ambassador said China has an offer for the Philippines to invest on water projects, power supply, irrigation facilities, transportation and communication.

“We have shared objectives in pursuing socio-economic development and improving people’s livelihood. China has a lot to share with the Philippines and vice versa,” Liu said.

“We are willing to deepen cooperation with the Philippines in the areas that meet the needs of the Philippine people – water projects, power supply, irrigation facilities, farming technology, transportation, communication, education, etc. What we should do is to turn the probability into possibility, to turn the potentiality into real benefits to the people, and we should act now,” he added.

Liu, who arrived in Manila 18 days ago, said he was amazed by the openness and dynamism in the country.

For the last two weeks, the new Chinese ambassador called on Philippine leaders, congressmen and Cabinet secretaries.

As China’s ambassador, he said he is carrying a mission of honor and great responsibility.

Since Manila and Beijing established diplomatic ties 34 years ago, he said bilateral relations have enjoyed smooth progress.

“The mutual understanding and trust between us has been built up, the all-around cooperation deepened and strengthened, and the friendship between our people developed,” he said.

Next year, the two countries will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippine diplomatic relations.

He also cited the Philippines’ hosting of 100 boys and girls who survived the earthquake in Sichuan, which the people of Sichuan will not soon forget.

“The Chinese Government sees the China-Philippine relationship from a long term and strategic perspective. Our relationship is strong and we want to make it stronger. And this is my mission,” he said.