MANILA, Philippines – China’s top diplomat in the Philippines had no good wishes for President Aquino at the reception in celebration of the 65th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Monday.
Breaking the traditional toast for stronger ties and good health of the highest leader of the host government, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua instead raised the disputes in the South China Sea during the affair held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.
In his speech, Zhao said the sea disputes have adversely affected China’s bilateral relations with the Philippines as he called the handling of the tension by the Philippine government as “exaggerated” and “sensationalized.”
“To conclude, may I propose a toast to the prosperity and happiness of our peoples, to the friendship and cooperation between China and the Philippines, to the health of all the guests. Cheers!” Zhao said.
However, acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Laura del Rosario offered wishes of continuous health and prosperity for the Chinese people, Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping after her speech.
“I would like to end with a toast to your great people, the Chinese government, to your Premier Li Keqiang, and to your President Xi Jinping. We wish you continuous health and prosperity and may the Lord always bless you and everything you do. Mabuhay!” Del Rosario said.
The ambassador also downplayed threats posed by Chinese activities and reclamation projects in the disputed waters, saying “the overall situation in the South China Sea is stable and there is no problem with freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
“China does not approve of exaggerating and sensationalizing the so-called tension in the South China Sea,” Zhao said.
Zhao said the Philippines and China have made significant progress in efforts for common development, which has laid a good foundation for comprehensive partnership since the two countries established diplomatic relations 39 years ago.
“It is our common responsibility to handle the disputes in the South China Sea in a proper and peaceful manner so as to carry on and further promote bilateral friendship and cooperation inherited from our ancestors to the future generations,” he said.