By GENALYN KABILING
BOAO, China – The Philippines and China not only stand “shoulder to shoulder” in the campaign against terrorism, illegal drugs and criminality but also are “partners” in economic and infrastructure development cooperation, President Duterte declared Tuesday.
Addressing the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) opening plenary here, the President highlighted the country’s mutually beneficial engagement with China, citing that they are “sovereign equals” that work together for shared growth.
“Bilaterally, the Philippines is showing how complex relations are not a bar to a positive and mutually beneficial engagement,” Duterte said during his debut appearance at the economic forum held in China’s southern island of Hainan.
“With China, we stand together in the war on criminality and the illegal drug trade. We are shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Make no mistake: there can be no progress without stability in Asia’s lands and waters,” he added.
Apart from combatting security threats, the President mentioned the country’s robust ties with China in infrastructure development, citing economic cooperation based on complementarities.
“As sovereign equals, the Philippines and China are partners in the building of the much-needed infrastructure that are building blocks and bridges of greater understanding between our peoples,” he said.
“We are working together on strengthening economic complementarities,” he added.
Apart from China, the President assured that the Philippines is ready to work with all nations in the region to seek friendship and cooperation. “Let me say it again: the Philippines’ destiny is in Asia,” he added.
The President’s remarks came before his scheduled bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday at the sidelines of the BFA annual conference here.
Duterte earlier said he looks forward to his meeting with Xi on Tuesday to discuss a wide of range of issues. “As friends and sovereign equals, we will review the progress of our efforts and chart ways to ensure prosperity for our nation and region,” he said.
