Palace: Duterte's official visit to China was 'successful, highly productive'

Malacañang on Sunday said President Rodrigo Duterte's five-day official visit to China "has been successful and highly productive."

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said due to their close relationship, Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping were able to have "frank exchanges" regarding their countries' positions on the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

"The close relationship that President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been able to foster through the years has enabled the two leaders to have frank exchanges on the respective positions of our two countries with regard to our territorial dispute, with both of them agreeing to exercise self-restraint and observe the UNCLOS, particularly with respect to maritime navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and with China’s recognition of the immediate need of the crafting of a definitive Code of Conduct for our regional waters, all with the intent of avoiding provocative acts that may impair friendly ties and threaten the peace and stability of the region," Panelo said in a statement.

On Thursday, during the bilateral talks at the Diaoyutai Guest House, Duterte raised the arbitral ruling invalidating China's expansive nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea.

In response, Xi explained the Chinese position. China does not recognize the award and did not participate in the arbitration proceedings, he said.

In the end, the two leaders agreed to disagree.

Xi was not offended by Duterte’s assertion of the arbitral ruling, Malacañang said Friday.

Both leaders agreed to work together "on the basis of mutual trust and good faith, to manage the South China Sea issue, and to continue to dialogue peacefully in resolving the conflict."

They also agreed on the "importance of self-restraint and respect for freedom of navigation in — and overflight above — the South China Sea."

Panelo on Sunday said both Duterte and Xi acknowledged that disputes can be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.

"Further, the two leaders recognize that despite any dispute that our countries may have, the same can always be resolved through peaceful dialogue and negotiations, specially given the centuries old familial ties between our nations," he said.

Panelo also said both leaders "acknowledge that our bilateral relations have a much wider horizon, and there are vast frontiers where our nations can cooperate and assist each other for their mutual benefit, such as in the fields of education, health, agriculture, science and technology, security, trade, investments, energy, and people to people and cultural exchanges."

During the bilateral meeting Duterte also "conveyed the Philippines’ commitment to enhance ASEAN’s engagement with China during our country’s stewardship of the ASEAN-China Dialogue," the Palace said in a separate arrival statement.

Duterte also met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and said the Philippines is committed to further expand its economic ties with China "for mutual benefit."

"He likewise stressed the importance of completing infrastructure projects with China with favorable financing arrangements," the Palace said.

Li acknowledged that the Philippines "is an important partner of China in Southeast Asia."

He also said his country "is ready to step up cooperation in support of the Build, Build, Build program to deliver win-win outcomes," the Palace said.

Six agreements were signed between the Philippines and China during Duterte's visit.

These are in the areas of education, science and technology, finance, and customs, among others.

The President also met with Chinese and Filipino businessmen at a forum. He urged Chinese investors to invest in the Philippines.

Duterte also attended the opening ceremony of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Beijing as a guest of Xi.

The President then went to Guangzhou and received a courtesy call from Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on the fourth day of his visit.

He also watched the game between Gilas Pilipinas and Italy at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Guangzhou "to lend moral support to our national team." 

"Much has been gained for the Philippine nation through the President’s untiring efforts, sound and practical approaches, as well as measured and prudent responses in managing the conflict involving the West Philippine Sea. The President wishes to convey that he is merely a public servant who is fulfilling his commitment and constitutional duty to serve and protect the sovereign Filipino people and provide them with a peaceful and comfortable life," Panelo added. —KG, GMA News