China has agreed to support talks on crafting the proposed code of conduct in the South China Sea, and reaffirmed its respect for freedom of navigation in the vital maritime route.

Chinese President Xi Jinping relayed this message to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in a bilateral meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam, which was described as “frank” by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

The two leaders held bilateral talks on bilateral cooperation and other concerns at the end of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

“Dalawang punto ang napag-usapan ano ang mangyayari sa code of conduct. Ang sinagot ni President Xi ay nagkasundo na sa framework of code of conduct at ipagpapatuloy ang usapin at inaasahan niyang matatapos na ito (Two points were discussed. First, what will happen to the code of conduct. President Xi said there has been an agreement on the framework on the code of conduct, and the talks will continue. He expects the talks will be completed soon),” Roque said after the meeting between the two leaders.

Heads of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China earlier adopted the framework for further negotiations on the code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea. Leaders from these nations are expected to announce the actual start of the negations during a regional summit this week.

Duterte earlier said he intended to ask Xi to finally agree to the code of conduct to avoid conflict and ease tension in the South China Sea. He also wanted to raise the regional bloc’s “wary and worry” over China’s growing militarization in the disputed territories.

Xi also assured Duterte that China does not object to the principle of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, according to Roque.

“Ang sabi ni Xi ay walang banta sa freedom of navigation naririyan yan. Wala silang pipigilin (Xi said there is no threat to freedom of navigation. It’s still there. They will not stop anyone),” Roque said.

On the tension in the Korean peninsula, Roque said Xi pushed for a peaceful dialogue among concerned parties to resolve the conflict.  He said Xi assured China does not want any escalation of the conflict in the area.

“They are encouraging na magusap ang US at ang North Korea. Responsablemg bayan ang Tsina, member ng UN sec council at ipapatupad ang mga security council resolution [They are encouraging a dialogue between United States and North Korea. China is a responsible country, a member of the Security Council and will implement the Security Council resolutions],” he said.

Roque said Xi also affirmed China’s strong relations with the Philippines would continue. He said China promised to continue to provide assistance and support to the Philippines.

“Because of the new and strong relationship between China and the Philippines, economic, military, cultural and other ties will be ever stronger,” Roque said.

Xi also commended Duterte’s leadership in the region, citing the “excellent” relations between China and the ASEAN. The Philippines will host the regional summit next week.

Roque said Duterte also invited Xi to visit the Philippines during their meeting. The Chinese leader reciprocated the gesture by inviting Duterte to visit China again.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn D. Kabiling

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