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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said while the US State Department imposed sanctions on some Chinese companies and citizens, China has firmly opposed the measure.
In a radio interview, Ambassador Huang said the participation of Chinese companies and individuals in domestic construction activities is legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach, lies within its sovereignty.
“The move by the US side, under the pretext of protecting the South China Sea, grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs and aims to drive a wedge between China and regional countries,” he said during the interview and was quoted in a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
He added they have taken note of the statement made by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque outlined an independent foreign policy course that puts the national interest at the core “and that the national interest of the Philippines is to ensure the completion of flagship projects under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program.”
“We believe that the pursuit of an independent foreign policy is in lin with the fundamental interests of the Philippines and its people,” he further explained.
He further explained the pragmatic cooperation between China and the Philippines has been based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, and “all projects are all conducted in compliance with the existing laws and regulations.”
“The in-depth synergizing of China’s Belt and Road initiative and the Build, Build, Build program has achieved fruitful results and is bring more and ore benefits to the people of our two countries,” he explained.
Ambassador Huang said Chinese companies have made important contributions and has expressed his believe that any attempt to undermine the normal economic cooperation between China and the Philippines will never succeed.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a midday briefing at Malacanang Palace the Sangley Airport project in nearby Cavite Province will push through. It will be recalled the China Communications Construction Limited are the contractors for the project.
“The Sangley project will push through. The President declared last night that the Americans can only enforce their blacklisting of Chinese companies in their territories and probably in their military bass which falls under their jurisdiction,” Secretary Roque said in response to a newsman’s question.
“It was clearly stated by President Duterte that he will not adhere to the directive of the Americans because the Philippines is a free and independent country and we need capital from China,” Secretary Roque said over national television.
The presidential spokesperson added the Sangley project as well as other projects, whoever is the Chinese contractor, will push through because it is in pursuit of our national interests that flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build will be finished on schedule. The Sangley Airport project costs P550 billion.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
