PH, China agree on peaceful, responsible dispute resolution

November 5 ------ THE Philippines and China have agreed to resolve their disputes peacefully and manage differences responsibly in order to maintain “stable and predictable” relations, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The Philippines “remains committed to a stable, predictable, mutually respectful, and mutually beneficial relationship with China,” the DFA said in a statement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly affirmed that the Philippines “must rely on diplomatic means to resolve disputes and manage differences with other countries, including China,” it added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Tuesday received a telephone call from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which they discussed the state of bilateral ties between Manila and Beijing. “The exchange was frank, pragmatic, and constructive, and reflected the interest of both sides in a stable and predictable relationship founded on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the DFA said.

The two officials shared the understanding that Manila and Beijing should “avoid actions and rhetoric that could needlessly undermine relations or heighten tensions,” the DFA said. Meanwhile, the DFA welcomed the joint appeal issued on Nov. 3 by Philippine business and sectoral organizations for the stabilization of Philippines-China relations. It said the appeal served “as a constructive contribution that underscores the value of candor, composure, principled conduct, sound judgment, and measured engagement in the conduct of foreign relations.” “The DFA has consistently maintained that diplomacy, dialogue, and mutually beneficial practical cooperation can be pursued without compromising the assertion and protection of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” it added.

Lazaro underscored that good relations between the Philippines and China serve the interests of both countries and of the region. She said the Philippines-China relations “must be sustained through regular high-level exchanges, ministry-to-ministry channels, and the appropriate bilateral and regional mechanisms.”

The discussion also covered other matters of concern, including maritime issues, “but focused on returning the relationship to an even keel” and on upholding the 1975 Joint Communiqué, which remains the enduring basis of Philippines-China cooperation and of the Philippines’ One China Policy, the DFA said.

The Foreign Affairs Department underscored that Manila’s relations with Beijing are “in accordance with the national interest and in pursuit of an independent foreign policy as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.”

Source: manilatimes.net