PHL to Maintain Bilateral Ties with China Despite Dispute, Palace Says

Manila– The Philippines aims to maintain bilateral relations with China, especially in trade and commerce, despite the territorial dispute between the two countries, Malacañang on Tuesday said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. stressed this even after China condemned the recent friendly games between the Philippines and Vietnam in the disputed Spratlys archipelago.

Coloma noted that the territorial issue does not constitute the totality of Philippine-China relations.

He said the Philippines thus intends to maintain friendly ties and overall cooperation with China, particularly in other fields like trade and commerce and people-to-people programs.

For his part, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda informed China on the celebration of the 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Monday.

“And perhaps, instead of condemning the friendly games between the Philippines and Vietnam, China should focus on engaging the Philippines in friendly initiatives,” he said. (PNA) LAM/LDV

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org