Palace welcomes new Phl-China maritime commitment

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang welcomed yesterday the Philippines’ and China’s new commitment to keep their maritime dispute from affecting “the broader picture of friendship and cooperation” between them.

In a joint statement issued after the talks between Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to respect and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2002.

“Both ministers agreed to further strengthen the bonds and friendship and cooperation between the two countries and to fully implement the Joint Action Plan,” the joint statement read.

“That is a good development, like what Secretary Del Rosario said, we should not let one issue get in the way of our good relations with China,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over government-run radio dzRB in reaction to the development in Beijing.

Valte said the Philippines has always been committed to a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the maritime dispute reignited by China’s alleged intrusions recently into Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea.

Asked whether the recent development would clear the way for President Aquino’s sooner-than-expected visit to China, Valte said: “The details are still being worked out by the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

Upon the invitation of Yang, Del Rosario paid an official visit to China on July 7 during which he also met with Vice President Xi Jinping. Del Rosario’s visit ended yesterday. – With Jose Katigbak, Pia Lee-Brago