DAVAO CITY—Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said that the Philippines—China relationship has entered an “era of cooperation” following the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in China last year and the warm welcome received by the Chinese navy here on Sunday, April 30.
Speaking to mediamen, Zhao said that the cooperation involves military to military relationship and understanding.
“It is a common interest of China and the Philippines to maintain peace in this region which is a prerequisite in socioeconomic development in any country in this region,” Zhao said.
Zhao explained that the alleged harassment received by the Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea will not affect the overall bilateral relationship of the two countries.
He added that he has not received any evidences that will prove the harsh treatment commited against the Filipino fishermen.
Zhao said that the action of the Chinese military to ask the Philippine’s C130 plane with top defense and military officials abroad to go away from the disputed area is just “a common practice” of their security forces since they have an “ownership with those islands and reefs.”
“Which ever airplane or ship intrudes, we give them warnings,” he said. “I think the same goes in the island that you occupied, if you see an airplane flying over you’ll definitely say something to tell them something.”
When asked about their possible action if the Philippine will pursue the development in Pag-asa island, Zhao said that their stand will remain.
“Our future line is quiet clear, we view the occupation by the Philippines side of those islands are illegal and so the buildings on it are also illegal,” he said.
He added that if the Philippines will pursue the development then “the policy will adhere to the peaceful negotiation, peaceful solution.”
Three Chinese navy vessels arrived in Davao City for a three-day “goodwill visit” in the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said that the city will always welcome peace loving citizens such as the Chinese Navy.
Sara said that she acknowledged the dispute in the West Philippine Sea but the visit of the Chinese Navy is a good start to open the channels of communications between the Philippine and Chinese Navy.
“This visit is for peace and friendship in China and Philippines,” Sara said
The three naval vessels of the China People’s Liberation Army Navy Task Group 150 arrived iat Sasa Wharf in Davao City Sunday.
Lt. Jetmark Marcos, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao public affairs office chief, identified the visiting Chinese ships as the guided-missile destroyer Chang Chun (DDG-150), guided-missile frigate Jin Zhou (FFG-532) and Type 903 replenishment ship Chao Hu (890).
Marcos said the flotilla is commanded by Rear Admiral Shen Hao, East Sea Fleet deputy commander and head of Navy Task Group 150.
The Chinese naval contingent was met by the BRP Nicolas Mahusay (PC-119) for the customary meeting point procedure at the vicinity north of Davao Gulf and escorted the vessels to its designated berthing area.
PN delegates accorded the visitors a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a port briefing for security and health aboard one of the PLA Navy vessels.
This goodwill visit is the first for China for this year and the first in the recent years since their last visit on April 2010 when missile frigates Ma’anshan, Wenzhou and comprehensive supply ship Qiandaohu were also warmly welcomed at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila after a completing a 128-day escort mission in the Gulf of Aden. With PNA