Philippines and China respect Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

Joint Statement of the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China

[Released on July 8, 2011]

Upon the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario of the Republic of the Philippines paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China on July 7-9, 2011. During his visit, Secretary del Rosario met with Vice President Xi Jinping and had talks with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

The two sides gave positive assessment of the progress made over the past 36 years since China and the Philippines established diplomatic relations including the broad range of state-to-state cooperation involving the different branches of government and various sectors of society. They agreed that maintaining healthy and stable development of bilateral ties serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and meets the common aspiration of the two peoples.

They reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Joint Action Plan (JAP) for Strategic Cooperation signed on October 29, 2009. The two countries will maintain close political cooperation including high-level visits and defense and security cooperation.

Both sides discussed forthcoming state visit to China of His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III and work together to make it a full success. Both Ministers are committed to focus on advancing practical cooperation for the benefit of both countries and people.

In the economic and trade arena, both sides agreed to continue to enhance trade and investments. They also agreed to pursue cooperation in science and technology, agriculture and fisheries, food safety, human health, infrastructure and transportation. Moreover, they discussed China’s possible participation in Philippine Public-Private Partnership projects.

They furthermore agreed to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges including twinning or sister-city arrangements, tourism, education, and media cooperation. They noted the need for an increased collaboration in the fight against transnational crimes including drug and human trafficking and the protection of nationals.

Both Ministers exchanged views on the maritime disputes and agreed not to let the maritime disputes affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides reaffirmed their commitments to respect and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN member countries in 2002.

Both Ministers agreed to further strengthen the bonds and friendship and cooperation between the two countries and to fully implement the Joint Action Plan.