Politics
21:30, 27-Jul-2017
Are arms the answer to lasting peace between China and the Philippines?
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Philippine police and military are about to be armed with rifles and ammunition worth over seven million US dollars donated by the Chinese government in late June.
Though the two countries’ militaries were at odds with each other territorial disputes in the South China Sea, bilateral ties have largely improved under President Rodrigo Duterte.
When Philippine government forces engaged ISIL-allied militants in the southern city of Marawi, China donated around 3,000 rifles and six million pieces of ammunition.
“This is not only to strengthen our countries' commitment to support each other during times of need but also highlights the dawn of a new era of Philippine-Chinese relations,” said President Duterte.