NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — According to Malacanang, President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the dispute between Russia and Ukraine.

This came after Duterte and Xi stated in a telesummit that they were “very concerned” about the crisis, according to a press statement published late Friday night by the Office of the President (OP).

“Presidents Duterte and Xi voiced grave worry about events in other regions of the world, notably Ukraine.” According to the Palace, the two Presidents “reiterated their call for a peaceful resolution of the issue through discussion in conformity with international law.”

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Duterte and Xi convened a virtual meeting to discuss their concerns about the war spreading to Asia, particularly the Philippines and China.

On March 31, Duterte maintained his neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but warned that if Moscow resorts to nuclear war, China “will not sit passively.”

The Philippines was one of the countries that voted in support of removing Russia from the Human Rights Council of the United Nations (UN).

In the midst of the ongoing war and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, it has also stated its willingness to receive refugees.

According to UN estimates, the Russian offensive, which began on February 24, has displaced more than 10 million people.

Approximately 4.2 million people have been relocated within Ukraine’s borders.

As of April 3, the UN estimated that at least 1,417 people had been murdered in Ukraine, with 2,038 injured.

Keeping the peace in the South China Sea

Meanwhile, Duterte and Xi discussed the Philippines’ long-running territorial conflict with China in the South China Sea (SCS).

According to Malacanang, Duterte and Xi agreed to settle problems diplomatically and keep the crucial waters peaceful and orderly.

“The leaders emphasized the importance of showing caution, dissipating tensions, and working on a mutually acceptable framework for functional collaboration to safeguard peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea,” the Palace said.

On Tuesday, Duterte reassured China of the Philippines’ strong relations, saying the two countries do not need to fight over their overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

The OP repeated Duterte’s recent comments, stating that the two presidents are committed to “constructive contacts” in order to resolve the maritime conflicts.

“Both leaders acknowledged that, despite disagreements, both sides remained dedicated to expanding the space for good exchanges, which reflected the Philippines and China’s dynamic and multidimensional relations,” Malacanang added.

It went on to say that both Duterte and Xi highlighted the significance of continuing discussions and finishing the South China Sea Code of Conduct.

“Both presidents reiterated Asean’s importance and restated their commitment to bringing peace, progress, and prosperity to the region,” the Palace said.

‘More room for collaboration and partnership’

Both Duterte and Xi hailed the progress in Manila-Beijing relations under Duterte’s leadership.

“The leaders took stock of and evaluated Philippines-China relations during the last six years, describing the relationship’s trajectory as favorable and creating more scope for partnership and cooperation,” according to the OP.

Recognizing the benefits of the Philippines and China’s economic and infrastructure cooperation, the two leaders agreed to expand two-way trade and investments, as well as continue their partnership for the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, according to Malacanang.

“The leaders also emphasized the importance of expanding access to goods and services, as well as working toward a trade balance that reflects a healthy state of economic partnership,” the statement continued.

Together, we’re fighting Covid-19.

According to the OP, Duterte and Xi recognized the need of working together to combat the coronavirus disease in 2019. (Covid-19).

The two discussed the importance of making vaccinations available to countries with limited supplies in order to maintain global and regional economic recovery, according to the report.

“The leaders agreed to work even closer together to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and to explore constructive ways to jumpstart interaction and exchanges, including mutual recognition of vaccine certificates, streamlining health protocols, and the resumption of commercial flights,” the statement said.

Other international and regional developments

According to the Palace, Duterte and Xi discussed other global and regional concerns, including the need to fight climate change.

“President Duterte and President Xi also agreed that the Philippines and China must work closely together to address the implications of climate change and to ensure that the developing world’s voice is heard in all relevant climate change fora,” the statement said.

According to the OP, the two leaders also viewed the elevation of bilateral relations between the Philippines and China to Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation as a “milestone achievement” that “demonstrated the Philippines and China’s commitment to continue building on the gains of previous years toward the future.”

The hour-long telesummit was praised as “open, warm, and positive” by Malacanang.

Climate Change Commission vice-chairperson Secretary Robert Borje, Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Deputy Assistant Secretary Myca Magnolia Fischer of the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs were among those who joined Duterte at the virtual summit.

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