Wang Yi: China-Philippines relations on a bright road

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday hailed the positive improvements in bilateral relations with the Philippines, saying for neighboring countries "conversation is better than confrontation and cooperation better than conflicts", as he met Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.

The improvement in China-Philippines ties contrasts to the recent status of relations between the countries and history will prove that it is the right option, Wang said

President Duterte said the Philippines is willing to deepen cooperation with China, while continuing to push forward cooperation among East Asia countries.

Duterte said the Philippines appreciated China's active role in the country's development and help in the construction of infrastructure, as well as efforts against terrorism.

Wang extended President Xi's sincere regards to Duterte, and congratulated him on the Philippines' achievements under his leadership in the past year.

Through the efforts of the two leaders, China-Philippines relations are back on track, practical cooperation has expanded, and the prospects for China-Philippines relations are on a bright road, Wang said.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hand with Philippine Foreign Affairs scretary Alan Peter Cayetano after signing the guestbook in Manila on July 25, 2017. /AFP Photo

Wang on Tuesday also said that Southeast Asian nations should unite and "say no" to outside forces seeking to interfere in South China Sea issues.

Wang made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart Alan Peter Cayetano in Manila.

He said that the region has maintained stability thanks to the common efforts of southeast Asian countries.

"If there are still some non-regional forces or forces in the region that don't want to see stability in the South China Sea and they still want to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, we need to stand together and say 'no' to them together," Wang said.

Wang said China and southeast Asian countries were firming up a consultation and cooperation framework, with the implement of the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea (DOC) making progress and a framework for the Code of Conduct (COC) taking shape.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) and Philippine Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (R) at a joint press conference in Manila on July 25, 2017. /AFP Photo

Wang said the improvement of relations between China and the Philippines has played a key role in this process, proving that China and southeast Asian countries can handle differences.

"The issue of the South China Sea is back on the right track of seeking proper resolution through dialogue and consultation." Wang said.

Wang Yi is on a two-day visit to Manila at the invitation of his Philippine counterpart Alan Peter Cayetano.

He arrived in the Philippines on Monday following a visit to Thailand.

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