China-Philippines Relations: Chinese Foreign Minister meets Filipino counterpart in Beijing

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The Philippines Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano is in China for a five-day visit until March 25th. He met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday in Beijing. The two reached consensus on a variety of issues during the meeting, and agreed diplomatic ties are the best they've been in recent years. Our reporter Wang Hui has the details.

The Philippines' Foreign Secretary is the first foreign secretary visiting China after China's Two Session. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says it shows the importance of the bilateral ties. Wang Yi praised the current bilateral ties between the two countries.

WANG YI, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "The current China-Philippines relations have entered their best period in recent years. This is the status that the two neighboring countries are supposed to be."

His Filipino counterpart called it a golden era for the two countries.

ALAN PETER CAYETANO, FOREIGN SECRETARY OF THE PHILIPPINES "We don't always agree with each other, but we should be good neighbors to each other. That's an example the two countries are showing the world. Our relationship is in a golden period, and now ready to face more challenges together."

Wang Yi says that the cooperation of the two countries has recovered and developed since 2016. For example, the two countries have signed 40 cooperation documents since then, and China became the Philippines' first trading partner. Wang also said the way the two countries managed the South China Sea issue is on the right track.

WANG YI, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "The most important experience learned from handling the bilateral ties is appropriately handle the South China Sea issue through dialogue and consultations. It helps the bilateral ties as a whole and creates a good atmosphere for the cooperation between the two sides. Both of us agree to adhere to and maintain it."

Based on the current mechanism of managing the disputes, they are exploring more cooperation.

ALAN PETER CAYETANO, FOREIGN SECRETARY OF THE PHILIPPINES "The bilateral consultation mechanism has provided a frank, sincere discussion on both areas. The Philippines and China are finding a common legal framework to conduct joint exploration and surveys."

To further consolidate the bilateral ties, the two sides agreed to facilitate cooperation in the Belt and Road initiative, and people to people exchange. They will also propel dialogue on maritime issues, and China will continue its support and cooperation with the ASEAN countries. Wang Hui, CGTN, Beijing.