Despite row, Phl-China defense cooperation eyed

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and China have agreed to explore ways to enhance defense cooperation despite a long-standing territorial row in the West Philippine Sea.

The two countries made the commitment during the 4th Defense and Security Talks (DST) last April 27 attended by senior security officials in China.

“This year’s talks enabled the two sides to exchange views on the evolving regional security situation to include maritime security,” defense department spokesman Peter Galvez said in a statement released yesterday.

“The 2013 DST also provided the two sides with an opportunity to review their bilateral defense relations and explore mechanisms to further promote defense and military cooperation,” Galvez said.

Among the areas of cooperation being considered were the exchanges of personnel and collaboration to address natural disasters and climate change.

“The dialogue also served as a platform for the Philippines and China to share perspectives on regional security architecture to include relations with powers such as the US,” Galvez said.

Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta led the Philippine delegation while Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the People’s Liberation Army, headed China’s representatives.

Azcueta said the dialogue showed that the West Philippine Sea row is not the “totality of the relations between China and the Philippines even if it remains a key issue.”

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan cited the importance of sustaining a dialogue between the two countries’ defense and military establishments.

China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea, a view the Philippines has described as “excessive and exaggerated.”

Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the area.

The Philippines has protested China’s claim before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.

China, however, insists that the row should be settled through bilateral negotiations and not involve non-claimants.

Engagement with China

Malacañang supports Filipino businessmen’s continuous engagement with China and would welcome more Chinese investors in the country.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda was reacting to a report that a powerhouse group of Filipino businessmen is flying to Nanjing, China in September to explore new investments and expand opportunities despite diplomatic strains due to the territorial dispute.

Businessman Francis Chua said the team would be composed of chief executive officers of the country’s top corporations.

The mission is an offshoot of another mission conducted by Chinese businessmen to the Philippines last month.

In a press briefing yesterday, Lacierda said it would be good for the country if businessmen would help bring in more investments.

He said many businessmen had become interested in the Philippines because investment rules were clear cut and President Aquino had assured them that these would not change.

“That is important. Not just from the Chinese... All investments here will be welcome,” Lacierda said.

He said prospects in the country had become better because of the investment grade rating from two credit rating agencies – Fitch and Standard & Poor’s.

He said aside from investments that could bring more jobs, the government could “open up more borrowings for our country at preferred rates” and provide more fiscal space for poverty alleviation and social services programs.

“So that will have lower cost for instance, for public schools, public hospitals (to be built),” Lacierda said.

On Sunday, the Philippine government shrugged off the decision of China’s foreign minister to exclude the Philippines in his Southeast Asia tour.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines continues to work toward further enhancing its bilateral relations with China with focus on deepening economic cooperation and strengthening people-to-people links, including seeking a peaceful rules-based resolution on West Philippine Sea disputes.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said, “it will not be healthy to engage in speculations.”

“We recognize perfectly the prerogative of the Chinese foreign minister to set his own agenda for trips outside of his country.

“This is a new minister that is holding the post and we reiterate, we have already conveyed our congratulations to him and we wish him great success,” she said. – With Aurea Calica