Press Release
March 12, 2008

Visiting Chinese leader assures Villar 'friction' will not affect
RP-China relations

Senate President Manny Villar today said he got an assurance from the visiting delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that the 'friction' created by the ongoing Senate investigation on the broadband deal involving the Chinese corporation ZTE and the issue of the constitutionality of the Spratlys exploration agreement will not affect the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.

On Tuesday, a 6-member delegation of CPC headed by Hon. Liu Hongcai, vice minister, International Department, Central Committee of CPC, paid a courtesy call on Villar.

During the 30-minute meeting, Liu Hongcai said the 'friction' will not affect Sino-Philippines relations because "the foundation for the friendship is solid."

"I am glad that we got this assurance from a leader of the dominant party in China. We place great importance to our relations with the Chinese people. For our part, we assured the visiting delegation that the ongoing public hearing will not affect relations between the two countries, which is now on historic high in areas of trade and tourism," Villar said.

Villar added he assured the group that investigations conducted by the Senate are internal matters centered on the country's leaders and they have been careful not to include the Chinese government in the inquiries. No way should it harm the centuries-old friendship with its neighbor, he added.

He also expressed hope that the investigations will help in further strengthening the ties between the two countries by identifying the areas that need improvement.

The CPC leader also assured Villar that the friendship with the country conform to the will of its people and comply with the trade regulations in the region. He added China will remain a partner in achieving 'sustainable peace and common prosperity in the region.'

"The Chinese government and the CPC attach great importance to its relations with the Philippines," said Liu Hongcai, while saying they will continue to respect the sovereignty of other countries and not interfere with their internal affairs.

The Chinese delegation are composed of Ai Ping, director general, Asian Bureau of International Department, CCCPC; Zhang Xuyi and Rao Huihua, directors, Asian Bureau of International Department, CCCPC, Chang Jiuqing, Secretary, and Dai Yuanyuan, interpreter. The contingent also visited Thailand and Indonesia to strengthen party to party cooperation.

In receiving the delegation, Villar was joined by Nacionalista Party leaders Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla, Laguna Rep. Justin Marc Chipeco and former Pampanga Rep. Juan Pablo Bondoc.

News Latest News Feed