Marcos seeks China ties reset
The meeting came days after Chinese Coast Guard personnel allegedly boarded a Philippine civilian vessel near Ayungin Shoal
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Daily TribuneThe meeting came days after Chinese Coast Guard personnel allegedly boarded a Philippine civilian vessel near Ayungin Shoal
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to reset the Philippines’ relationship with China to prevent a repeat of recent confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang said Thursday after the Chief Executive met with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the meeting lasted about an hour and 20 minutes.
“The President’s hope is that these incidents will not happen again and that the relationship between China and the Philippines can be reset toward better engagement,” Castro said.
She declined to disclose details of the meeting, saying both sides had agreed not to discuss what transpired.
The meeting came days after Chinese Coast Guard personnel allegedly boarded a Philippine civilian vessel near Ayungin Shoal, assaulted Filipino crew members with batons and knives, and obstructed a humanitarian mission to troops stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre.
Marcos visited two wounded Philippine Navy personnel at Camp Ricarte Station Hospital inside the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa City following the 20 July confrontation near Ayungin Shoal.
The President checked on the condition of Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Carmelo J. Aballe, 33, and Private Eric B. Lacida, 24, who were injured while serving aboard BRP Sierra Madre.
Marcos conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on both servicemen and also granted each of them P100,000 in special financial assistance.
