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"The historic initiatives taken by the Philippines to reach China will make the golden age of [our] relationships that are cooler, brighter and richer than ever … "
This was the statement of Ambassador Zhao Jianhua during the recent celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PROC).
"We should remember 2018 as a year [that witnessed] a sustained improvement and growth of relations between the Philippines and China, which are preparing for faster and stronger developments, "added Zhao in his commendation, noting that the country" now reaped the fruits of cooperation ".
Last year, the ambassador said the value of their bilateral trade amounted to $ 50 million, "which has made China the largest trading partner of the Philippines and their main source of imports, and [the former’s] fourth export market. In 2017, PROC's new investments reached $ 53.84 million.
The envoy noted that the current year was considered a milestone for China, since it commemorated the 40th anniversary of the adoption of its reform and policy. opening.
Over the last four decades, he said that China had recorded a significant growth in its gross domestic product: from 364.5 billion RMB to 82.7 billion RMB, while its GDP per capita had skyrocketed to nearly 60,000 RMB, compared to only 385 RMB previously.
"China now contributes more than 30 percent of the world's annual economic growth and plays a critical role in global economic stability and recovery," he said.
One of China's most recent successes is that it claims "the largest network of high-speed, high-speed and mobile broadband services." The Middle Kingdom now has 25,000 miles of railroads, the largest in the world.
In terms of infrastructure, 2018 also marks the fifth anniversary of the Belts and Roads Initiative (BIS), an original idea of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to their Foreign Service Institute, Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin affirmed and welcomed the Philippines' participation in the BIS. In return, the Philippines acted and became a full member of the Asian-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which demonstrates the government's interest in the vast infrastructure project.
Reliable, efficient and trustworthy
Acting on the role played by China in "Building, Building, Building", the diplomat took a serious turn: "China has been very clear: it wants to have a reliable, effective and trustworthy partnership in the program".
As an apparent way to make the gesture similar, Zhao encouraged the Philippines to participate in the BIS, a revival of the ancient Silk Road that runs halfway around the globe. This has created a link between the East and the Roman Empire.
So far, China has already signed BIS cooperation agreements with more than 130 countries and international organizations. In this framework, 82 economic cooperation zones representing a total investment of $ 28.9 billion have been created in the countries concerned and will create a total of 244,000 jobs for their inhabitants.
(Despite this, China is being challenged for its BIS project.) Pro-Western writers have warned that if Washington and its liberal partners do not seek a credible alternative to Chinese infrastructure spending, "illiteracy fueled by the belt and the road globe unchecked. "
The logic of those who make fun of the BIS generally revolves around four reasons: [1] Many promises do not always materialize as projects. [2] The BIS is a "debt trap" for poor countries and is ultimately unsustainable. [3] Japan remains the dominant player in infrastructure investment; and [4] Private investment by US companies still exceeds that of Chinese investors.)
The Beijing envoy, who urged: "The world is experiencing unprecedented major changes, is not lost sight of. We live with various interlocking trends such as global multipolarity, economic globalization, information technology applications and cultural diversity. [becoming] interconnected and interdependent. "
Mr. Zhao, who holds a master's degree in global economics as well as international policies and practices, volunteered for China to provide a total of 1.284 billion RMB (about P10 billion) of grants to the Philippines since the inauguration of President Duterte.
"[In] the first five months of 2018, China has made another investment of 165 million dollars [about P8.9 billion] in the Philippines, forecasting a record growth rate. "
Increased interactions, exchanges
In the past two years, the Chinese diplomat said: "A series of dialogue and consultation mechanisms have been revived in areas such as foreign affairs, defense, energy, the economy and the economy. trade, agriculture, fishing, etc. [as well as] science and technology. In addition, interactions and exchanges between local governments, news agencies, universities, think tanks and cultural institutions have multiplied. "
The Beijing man, who was previously deputy mayor of Hefei City in Anhui Province, then addressed the topic of tourism. He revealed that in the first seven months of 2018, the Philippines has welcomed more than 760,000 Chinese tourists, an increase of 40% over the previous year.
"We have every reason to expect that more than 1.5 million Chinese tourists will visit the Philippines this year and generate a turnover of more than 32 billion pesos."
Zhao promised Duterte a total of 2 million Chinese who will visit the country, but acknowledged that the lack of local infrastructure was a deterrent. He said some 130 million of his compatriots left their country every year to enjoy world-famous spots and romp around the sand of exotic locales.
The ambassador insisted that China attaches great importance to the synergy of the BIS, the "AmBisyon Natin 2040", as well as Build, Build, Build. He said that considerable progress has been made in this regard through China's financing of grants or loans on favorable terms.
On the subject of exploration of the resources of the Western Philippines Sea and the South China Sea (WPS / SCS), the diplomat said:[That] is something under discussion. "
"I think you have [an ongoing] internal debate; we also have national discussions, "he continued, then replied," I can not tell you more about [have] achieved something conclusive. "
Despite this, Beijing's top official in Manila said the two sides understood that "stability is above all the stability of WPS / SCS".
"In the meantime, it is in our common interest to explore the possibility of a joint exploration that is mutually acceptable."
According to Zhao, who before coming to the Philippines was the representative of China in Lebanon, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and Liberia, "We have shown that our two countries have the sincerity, wisdom and ability to properly manage cooperation, with the aim of making WPS / SCS an ocean of peace, friendship and prosperity. "
Although the issue remains unresolved, however, when the Philippines assumed the role of China-Asia country coordinator in August, Zhao said that Beijing "is firmly counting on the Philippines to [cooperation between China and the Asean, as well as that of the East Asia region,] to a new summit. "
Help in infra, disasters
Among other forms of aid, China has also helped set up drug rehabilitation centers, while plans are under way for the construction of two bridges on the Pasig River. Meanwhile, the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project has already started.
Zhao also claimed that both sides were pushing for larger infrastructure projects, such as the new Centennial – Kaliwa water spring dam at Tanay, Rizal; the Subic-Clark Railway in the center of Luzon; South Philippine Railways, Long Haul, and Safe Philippines-Phase 1. All of these projects have a total value exceeding $ 7 billion.
"Whenever the Philippines is affected by disasters, China has always been among the first to give it a hand," said the good ambassador to China's assistance in the ruined city of Marawi.
"We are also helping to set up water pumping stations in rural areas", guaranteeing China's commitment to contribute to improving livelihoods, reducing poverty and reducing poverty. poverty, assistance to the needy and sustainable development in the Philippines. "
And, despite the apparent conflict between them, the special envoy said China and the Philippines contribute to regional stability. "When the anti-terror campaign was launched in Marawi, China did not take long to provide military aid to the Philippines. Our two countries work closely together to fight illicit drugs, terrorism and cybercrime. "
During his brief conversation with Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the reception, the diplomat also praised the collaboration between the Chinese and Filipino armed forces, which has already "moved to a new phase".
"We have resumed our mutual trust. I hope with the efforts [from] on both sides, [we] will further strengthen our mutual trust and military cooperation, "he added.
In closing, Zhao recalled, "China will always remain open and work with all countries, including the Philippines, to create opportunities, advance cooperation and share the dividends of development. We will continue to be the good neighbor of the Philippines [and] sincere friend. " With a PNA report
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