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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
**MANILA,Aug.28(APD) ** – President Rodrigo Duterte left late Wednesday afternoon for Beijing, China upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said this is President Duterte’s trip to China since he assumed power in June 30,2016.
The highlight of President Duterte’s visit will be his bilateral meeting with President Xi where they would discuss comprehensive strategic cooperation between the Philippines and China, “as well as the shared goals of the two countries.”
Secretary Panelo said as country coordinator of the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, President Duterte hopes to talk with President Xi about the crafting of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and how they can expedite its conclusion. President Duterte believes the absence of a COC that is to be observed by affected countries has caused numerous conflicts in the subject waters that could have been prevented by a document that will regulate their actions.
The presidential spokesman said a good example of such conflict was the maritime incident which transpired a few months ago in Recto Bank.
“We accept the recent apology extended by the owner of the Chinese vessel to our fishermen affected by the incident,” Atty. Panelo said in his statement released some 45 minutes ago. He added they welcome the owner’s humility to take responsibility and acknowledged that compensation must be provided to cover the actual loss.
President Duterte will also raise during his bilateral talk with President Xi the ruling held by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague which disapproved the expansive claims of China over the disputed waters in connection with the exclusive economic zone of the country in the West Philippine Sea.
The statement from the Office of the President added the two leaders will exchange views on issues important to their nations’ interest including the fast-tracking of existing big-ticket projects of China in the Philippines and further improving trade relations.
They will also sign cooperative bilateral documents and memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening ties, deepening friendship and enhancing diplomacy of both countries.
President Duterte will also proceed to Guangzhou and lead in cheering Gilas Pilipinas in one of their scheduled games during the FIBA World Basketball World Cup and will be accompanied by Chinese Vice President Wang Qishang, would also pay a courtesy call on the Filipino leader.
Included in the presidential entourage are Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero De Vera III, Customs Commissioner Rey Guerrero and Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo.
President Duterte and his party are expected to arrive in Beijing shortly past 10:00 P.M.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
