Philippines, China remain friends despite sea row - Palace

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China remain friends amid the increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea, a Malacañang official said.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Philippines' relationship with China is not solely dependent on its territorial dispute with the Asian giant, which is claiming virtually the entire South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.

"Again, our relationship with China is multi-faceted, plus the fact that we have a number of Filipino-Chinese members in our country," Lacierda said when asked in a press briefing whether or not the Philippines and China can be considered as friends.

"We have always had very good relations with China in the other areas of exchange that we have: people-to-people, tourism, trade. And a number of us also have roots or have Chinese blood," he added.

Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III will even attend this week's celebration of the 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

He said the President will deliver a speech to highlight the contributions of the Filipino-Chinese community to the growth of the country's economy and to the enhancement of Filipinos' lives.

The Palace official answered in the affirmative when asked if it makes sense to celebrate the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day despite China's perceived aggression and bullying in the contested waters.

The country celebrates the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day every June 9. Lacierda said the FFCCCII will have a joint celebration of the event and the 116th Philippine Independence Day.

Also read: Palace: Philippines can persuade China to act responsibly