China’s new vice president meets Cayetano in Beijing

MANILA, Philippines — Wang Qishan, a key ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping, made his debut in the political scene as China’s new vice president Friday and called for “enhanced” Manila-Beijing ties during a meeting with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Cayetano has been in China to discuss possible joint exploration in the South China Sea—parts of which is at the heart of a maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing.

It was the first time for the 69-year-old Wang to meet a foreign diplomat as vice president.

Wang, who is known as China's "Mr. Fix-It” for his exceptional crisis-management skills, might take charge of the Asian power’s foreign affairs, South China Morning Post reported.

“The Philippines is a traditional friendly neighbor of China,” Wang was quoted as saying by state-media Xinhua, adding that both nations should “comprehensively implement” the consensus of their leaders.

“In the new year, the two sides should continue to work together and plan their relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective,” he added.

Ties between the Philippines and China have significantly improved under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has set aside a landmark ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claim to sovereignty over most of the resource-rich South China Sea.

Duterte is reportedly visiting China next month to attend the Boao economic forum in Hainan province and will meet Xi.

According to Xinhua, Cayetano assured Wang that the Philippines will work with China in developing bilateral relations.

The controversial removal of term limits for Chinese presidents will also allow Wang to be Xi’s vice president indefinitely.

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