MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte called the Philippines and China “sovereign equals” partnering in building infrastructure and standing together against crimes and illegal drugs.
At the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan, China on Tuesday, the Philippine leader said the two countries stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” in fighting criminality and terrorism.
“We stand together in the war on criminality and the illegal drug trade. We are shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” said Duterte. “Make no mistake – there can be no progress without stability in Asia’s lands and waters.”
As “sovereign equals,” he said, the Philippines and China are “partners in building much-needed infrastructure.”
“We are bridging bridges of greater understanding between our peoples. We are working together on strengthening economic complementarities,” said the Philippine president.
Duterte visited China over two months after jokingly suggesting that China make the Philippines its province.
“If you want, you can make us a province, like Fujian,” he said during the anniversary of the Chinese Business Club on Feb. 19. “Province of Philippines, Republic of China.”
Duterte also refuses to confront China even as the latter continues to build and expand structures in areas in the South China Sea the Philippines claims, and despite a United Nations tribunal ruling that rejects China’s sweeping claim of the entire body of water.
Opposition lawmakers were shocked by the joke. Some called it “unacceptable” and “unbelievable” while others said it was an insult to troops protecting Philippine territories in the disputed waters.
Meanwhile the Philippine president said his government “is ready to work with all nations in the (Asian) region who seek friendship and cooperation … in forging a more prosperous continent and world.”
“This is what nations – big or small – should act on collectively when we leave Boao: Cooperate, coordinate and collaborate so we can achieve our shared dream of prosperity for all,” Duterte said.
He also assured of increased investments in innovation and interconnectivity, and the plan to reduce poverty “from 22 percent in 2015 to 14 percent by 2022” and achieve growth “of 7 to 8 percent every year up to 2022.”
Duterte believes the Philippines will join the top one-third of countries in the Global Innovation Index by 2022.
In addition, the Philippines will also push for improved competitiveness and productivity among micro, small and medium enterprises, he said. “We will empower more Filipinos with better knowledge, skills and expertise.” (With Philippine News Agency/PN)
