Duterte: COVID-19 pandemic calls for strengthening of Philippines-China ties

President Rodrigo Duterte called for strengthening of relations between the Philippines and China amid global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines and China on Tuesday marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"As the entire world continues to face challenges to security and stability and the rule of law and with the rise of non-traditional and emerging threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, further strengthening Philippines-China partnership takes on even greater significance," Duterte said in a June 9 letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"We must forge on and ensure that the potential of our special ties is fully realized.”

Duterte also assured Xi of the Philippines’ “firm commitment to preserve and build on the gains of our close partnership for greater peace, progress and prosperity for our nations.”

Xi, meanwhile, said he attaches “great importance to the development of China-Philippines ties,” according to a report by state-run news agency Xinhua.

Duterte said in March that he would seek the assistance of China if the COVID-19 situation in the country worsens.

The Chinese government donated more than 100,000 test kits which the Philippines’ Research Institute for Tropical Medicine found to be at par with the test kits provided by the World Health Organization.

In April, Chinese medical experts completed a two-week mission which included visits to hospitals and COVID-19 facilities, sharing of technical advice on COVID-19 prevention and control, and exchanges of medical treatment experiences with Filipino counterparts.

Relations between the Philippines and China have improved considerably under Duterte who temporarily set aside the arbitral ruling in 2016 that invalidated Beijing's claims in the South China Sea in order to forge stronger trade and economic ties with the Asian powerhouse.

“China is a close neighbor and valued friend,” Duterte said.

Help from other nations

Aside from China, other nations have also extended assistance to the Philippines in the fight against COVID-19.

The United States, a long-time ally of the Philippines, on May 7 granted a P298-million additional assistance to the country, bringing the total amount of assistance to more than P768 million.

After the Philippines suspended the termination of its Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, officials said they are expecting more aid coming from Washington.

On Wednesday, Canada announced it is providing more than P44.5 million assistance to the Philippines to support the country's fight against the deadly coronavirus disease. --KBK, GMA News