China is confident that President Duterte, having been elected by majority of the Filipinos, will adhere to independent foreign policies consistent with the interests of the Philippines and its people.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry voiced this conviction in reaction to President Duterte’s announcement of his country’s “separation” from the United States, citing both military and economic ties.
“The Chinese side respects the Philippines in making foreign policies as a sovereign state based on the fundamental interests of the country and the people,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a media briefing in Beijing at the end of Duterte’s visit.
Upon his return to Manila from Beijing, President Duterte clarified that what he was really saying was “separation of a foreign policy” and not “severance of ties” with the US. “You say severance of ties, you cut the diplomatic relations. I cannot do that,” the President said.
The first retort from the US White House nevertheless, was that President Duterte’s comments were “offensive” and were “creating unnecessary uncertainty in our relationship.”
Proof of Sincerity
Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker Rolando Andaya Jr. urged the Chinese government to show its sincerity by building large infrastructure projects and allowing Filipino fishermen to reclaim their traditional fishing grounds.
“If I were the Chinese, I would start building big infrastructure projects as these can be the monuments of friendship to win Filipino hearts. They can build the Mindanao railway, for example, on a part-grant, part-loan scheme, with a long grace repayment period, and at a price that is the lowest for a quality that is the highest in the world,” Andaya said.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda agreed with Andaya, saying that the country’s tourism sector would gain… as 500 million Chinese people, out of 1.6 billion population are “touristable.”
Visit to Japan
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is looking to offer 5 billion yen (USD 48.2 million) in loans when he meets with President Duterte this week.
Diplomatic sources said Saturday the financial support is aimed at facilitating agricultural development in Mindanao. Duterte, who will make his first visit to Japan tomorrow, was a longtime mayor of Davao in Mindanao.
Returning to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hua pointed out that President Duterte’s recent visit to China will help develop China-Philippine relations and bring the South China Sea issue back to the track of bilateral dialogue and consultation.
“It is in the fundamental and common interests of the Chinese and Philippine people that China and the Philippines improve and develop their relations… and the South China Sea issue be brought back to the track of bilateral dialogue and consultation, which is also conducive to regional peace and stability
Friendly Climate
Last week, when Duterte was in Beijing, he addressed the community and advised them to “be millionaires, but pay the right taxes,” not bribes.
The President promised that he would not harass legitimate businesses as long as they follow the laws especially on tax payments.
“Do your business, do it right, make it flourish, earn money, be millionaires at the same time give jobs to the Filipinos and pay your taxes,” the President said.
Duterte said they should “raise a howl, cry hell” and report any corruption practice in government transactions so he could personally address the situation.
The President’s friends and other allies, meantime, should not expect any special treatment when doing business in the country. “That will never never never happen during my watch,” he said about tax condonations.
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