Senators hope for better dialogues with China amid sea dispute

Philippine senators on Wednesday hoped for better dialogues on various issues and improved cooperation with China despite the territorial disputes between the two countries.

During the celebration of the 46th anniversary of the Philippine-China Relations and the 20th anniversary of the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Bong Go have raised the need to develop better ties with China as the world faces the more challenging crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Beyond the territorial disputes, the relations between the Philippines and China, which spans several centuries, have even strengthened, especially now that we have been jointly combatting the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gatchalian said in a video message.

“I’m one with those hoping that the maritime issue will not deter the two nations from upgrading the ties of comprehensive strategic cooperation and focus on the post-pandemic efforts and economic recovery,” he added.

Go also hoped that the celebrations with the Filipino-Chinese community will further develop mutual respect and understanding between the two countries.

“I trust that these celebrations will pave way to even better dialogues between the two countries and yield mutual respect and understanding as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges,” Go said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III commended the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. for their contribution to the country’s economic growth.

Apart from the three lawmakers, Senators Imee Marcos and Cynthia Villar as well as House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco extended their greetings during the celebration of the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.

At the same event, President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippine government will continue to pursue a mutually beneficial bilateral relations with China.—LDF, GMA News