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By APD writer Melo M. Acuna
**MANILA, Oct. 25(APD) ** – The Philippines and the People’s Republic of China vowed to strengthen their defense and military-to-military relations by increasing security engagements in the near future.
In a statement from the office of Director Arsenio R. Andolong, Chief of the Department of National Defense’s Public Affairs Service, Secretary Lorenzana met with his Chinese counterpart General Chang Wangquan at the former’s office at Camp Aguinaldo and discussed possible avenues where the two countries can further improve the defense and military-to-military relations.
“Riding on the improvement of our defense relations, it is only proper for us to move forward,” Secretary Lorenzana said.
Among the subjects discussed were the enhancement of cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism through intelligence sharing, joint counter-terrorism exercises and other specialized training.
Both defense executives agreed on the need to cooperate in order to eradicate the evils of terrorism which they both considered as “common enemy.”
Secretary Lorenzana thanked China for its support during the Marawi City operations, stating that its earlier donations of rifles and ammunition “helped a lot in our fight against the terrorists in Marawi.”
The Chinese Minister of Defense said his country plans to donate another batch of weapons and equipment later this year or early next year.
The defense chiefs also underscored the enhancement of maritime cooperation between the two countries with emphasis on humanitarian assistance and disaster response and anti-piracy opertions in the Philippines’ southern waters.
They agreed to increase visits of naval vessels as a sign of goodwill and friendship between the two countries.
There will also be an increase of military-to-military personnel exchanges between junior and field grade officers.
Secretary Lorenzana and General Chang agreed that this will be beneficial to both countries since it will foster interpersonal relations between both militaries’ officer corps and future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The two executives discussed China’s offer to the Philippines of its weapons and equipment to support the AFP modernization program.
The bilateral meeting touched on the South China Sea issue and how best to move forward.
Both defense chiefs welcomed the decrease of tensions between the two countries through careful management of the dispute brought about by the warming relations between the two countries.
Secretary Lorenzana and General Chang welcomed the proposal to develop a concrete mechanism to solve issues immediately and avoid possible and future conflicts.
Secretary Lorenzana said he believes the Philippines is in the right direction in its defense relations as he expressed optimism for future Defense and security dialogues with China.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
