Duterte thanks China for lightening up Philippine economic life

[TaiShang]

Duterte thanks China for lightening up Philippine economic life
(Xinhua) 08:09, March 09, 2017

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that he made the right decision to rekindle ties with neighboring China and expressed his gratitude toward the Chinese people.

"I thank China profusely, and they have really lightened up the economic life of our country," said Duterte in a speech delivered during the 10th Philippine Councilors League National Congress held in Pasay City.

"You can really feel the sincerity of the Chinese," he added.

Since taking office in June last year, Duterte has worked with China to mend bilateral ties that soured under the previous administration of President Benigno Aquino III over the South China Sea issue.

Last October, Duterte paid a four-day visit to China, which signaled a new chapter in China-Philippines relations.

The president said in the speech that his visit to Beijing has paved the way for closer bilateral trade and people-to-people ties.

Chinese official statistics showed that in less than six months since last October, China has imported more than 200,000 tons of tropical fruits from the Philippines and there have been about 1,000 new tourist groups from China to the Philippines.

More Philippine fruits like avocado and other agricultural products are expected to enter Chinese markets, said Duterte.

"So, let me publicly again thank President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for loving us and giving us enough leeway to survive the rigors of economic life in this planet," said Duterte.

Relations between China and the Philippines have returned to their proper course, benefiting the two peoples and other countries in the region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi commented Wednesday at a press conference in Beijing.

The potential for further bilateral cooperation is rapidly growing, Wang added.

***

It is really heart-warming. Such a sincere, direct-speaking president. Good will bears more good will.

@kecho , @tranquilium , @Dungeness , @ahojunk , @AndrewJin

 

[Cossack25A1]

Chinese survey ship spotted in Benham Rise
March 9, 2017 Joel Dizon Nation 0
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Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana today revealed that Chinese survey ship was spotted in Benham Rise. ABS-CBN News reports that Lorenzana said the reason for the Chinese survey in Benham Rise is yet to be determined. The National Defense chief added that a report reaching him claims the Chinese could be looking for a spot for its submarines.

He said the Chinese survey ship was monitored plying Benham Rise last year for 3 months. He added that the Philippine Navy was ordered, if it happens again, to drive away the Chinese ship from the eastern side of Philippines.

Benham Rise is a 13-million hectare under the sea region, off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela. The shallowest part of the region is Benham Bank, with a depth of at least 50 meters. Virtually larger than Luzon, it was only confirmed by the United Nations as part of the Philippine territory on April 12, 2012.

The area is marine biodiversity-rich and is home to high-value fish species such as blue-fin tuna and black and white marlin.


Scientists from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), University of the Philippines (UP), and Oceana conducted a week-long expedition to Benham Rise which in May 2016.

Oceana said in a press release that “at least 200 fish species including surgeonfish, hawkfish, and damselfish, and large predators such as tiger shark were recorded along with green algae and soft sponges.”

“We saw terraces of corals, as far as the eye could see. It’s so exciting to know that we have such a vast and pristine coral reef ecosystem within Philippine territory,” Oceana Philippines marine scientist Marianne Pan-Saniano said.
http://www.update.ph/2017/03/chinese-survey-ship-spotted-in-benham-rise/15482

I made a post dedicated for that news.

 

[tranquilium]

And this, ladies and gentemen, is the true reality on the diplomatic loyalties of small nations. Their loyal is entirely dependent on the balance of strength between major players.

 

[terranMarine]

Some countries need a good dose of reality check before they realize that a certain major power is on the other side separated by an ocean. And this big power in Asia ain't going nowhere. China can really help as long one value China's friendship. Siding with the other side can have consequences which can negatively impact ties with China. Vietnam drew a comfort prize during the last visit to China. So how does the meatless bone taste?
Duterte on the other hand hit a jackpot so the envy from these Viets is understandable. Malaysia has gained some gifts too, a good reason to celebrate.

 

[TaiShang]

Some countries need a good dose of reality check before they realize that a certain major power is on the other side separated by an ocean. And this big power in Asia ain't going nowhere. China can really help as long one value China's friendship. Siding with the other side can have consequences which can negatively impact ties with China. Vietnam drew a comfort prize during the last visit to China. So how does the meatless bone taste?
Duterte on the other hand hit a jackpot so the envy from these Viets is understandable. Malaysia has gained some gifts too, a good reason to celebrate.

Tribute system worked wonders in the past at the Confucius Sphere. Little reason why it would not work this time around.