JOINT STATEMENT between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines
JOINT
STATEMENT
between
the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines
21 November 2018, Manila
1.
Upon
the invitation of His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic
of the Philippines, His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's
Republic of China, paid a State Visit to the Philippines on 20-21 November
2018.
During
the visit, the two Leaders held a bilateral meeting, wherein they recalled the
history of friendly exchanges between China and Philippines, charted
the course for the future of China-Philippines bilateral
relations, had in-depth exchange of views on regional and
international issues of common interest, and reached important consensus.
President
Xi Jinping also had a joint meeting with the Honorable House Speaker Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo and the Honorable Senate President Vicente Castelo Sotto III.
2.
The
Philippines congratulates China for its impressive achievements over the past
four decades of its reform and opening up, and wishes China well in realizing
its Two Centenary Goals. China congratulates the Philippines on its outstanding
progress in upholding national security as well as in promoting sustainable
economic growth and social development under the leadership of President
Duterte, and expresses best wishes for the greater development of the
Philippines.
3.
Both
sides agree that the sound development of China-Philippines relations
serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. Both sides recognize that
the bilateral relations have achieved a positive turnaround and a sound momentum of development through the joint efforts and mutual trust
of both sides. Both sides acknowledge that intensified efforts are required in
order to achieve meaningful gains from cooperation agreements that were
initiated.
4.
The
two leaders recognize that the elevation of China-Philippines relations
to higher levels is in line with the fundamental interests and shared
aspiration of the two countries and peoples. Thus, on the basis of mutual
respect, sincerity, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, the
leaders decided to establish the relationship of Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation.
5.
Both
sides reaffirm the importance of existing China-Philippines bilateral
dialogue mechanisms such as the Foreign Ministry Consultations, Consular
Consultations, Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation, Annual
Defense Security Talks, Joint Committee on Agriculture, Joint Committee on
Fisheries, and the Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology, among
others, in enhancing understanding, broadening cooperation, and striving for a
stronger partnership.
6.
The
two Leaders agree to maintain close high-level communication through bilateral
visits, phone calls, exchange of letters, and side meetings in multilateral
fora, so as to strengthen the planning of bilateral relations, institute timely
communication on major regional and international issues, and promote the
sharing of experience in state governance. The Philippines reaffirmed its
observance of the One-China principle.
7.
Both
sides welcomed the signing of the MOU on
Cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides also welcome the
contributions of similar connectivity initiatives in the region, including the
Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025.
8.
The
two countries recognize that defense and military cooperation are significant
components of bilateral relations and contribute to the peace and stability of
the region. Both sides will jointly implement the MOU on Defense Cooperation
through practical cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, humanitarian
assistance, disaster response and mitigation, and peacekeeping
operations.
9.
Both
sides recognize the need to advance cooperation and collaboration in matters
relating to health. The two Leaders agree to continue jointly promoting and
developing cooperation in the Fields of Health through exchanges and
cooperation in the fields of traditional medicine, human resource development
for public health experts and medical scientists, public health, ICT application in health care, and health management.
10.
China
reiterates its firm support to the Philippine government's
efforts in fighting against illicit drugs and drug-related crimes, and
expresses willingness to strengthen cooperation in areas including combating
the smuggling of illegal drugs and their precursor chemicals, intelligence
sharing, joint investigation and operation as well as drug rehabilitation. The
Philippines spoke highly of the completion of the drug rehabilitation center in
Sarangani Province and the construction of the rehabilitation center in Agusan
del Sur, both financed by China through grants, and conveyed its appreciation
to China for its assistance in personnel training and donation of drug
detection, seizure, and testing equipment.
11.
Both
sides strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and committed to cooperate in the
areas of information exchange, and capacity building, among others, to
jointly prevent and address such threats. The Philippines expresses
appreciation for China's support and assistance to the Philippines in
counter-terrorism efforts and in the recovery, rehabilitation and
reconstruction of Marawi City.
12.
Both
sides agree to strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and will enhance
cooperation and communication to combat transnational crimes, including
job-related crimes, telecommunications fraud, illegal on-line gambling,
cybercrimes, human trafficking and illegal wildlife trade. Both sides agree to
speed up the discussions with a view to signing a bilateral agreement on
Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
13.
Both
sides hail the progress in bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and will
continue to actively implement the Six-Year Development Program for Trade and
Economic Cooperation (2017-2022), The two sides agree to promote bilateral
trade and investment settlements denominated in domestic currencies, and
further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two customs, to
further facilitate economic and trade activities.
14.
China
expressed its commitment to import more high-quality agricultural products
including tropical fruits from the Philippines through expeditious completion
of the accreditation process to enhance two-way trade balance.
15.
The
two sides will speed up the implementation of the China-Philippines
Industrial Park Development Program, which was signed
during this visit,
and will continue to provide an enabling environment for their enterprises to
invest in each other's country.
16.
Both
sides recognize that infrastructure cooperation has been a highlight of China-Philippines
bilateral cooperation. The two sides will work for the timely completion of the
Chico River Pump Irrigation Project and the Binondo-Intramuros and
Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges, facilitate the implementation of projects such as
the New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project, the Safe Philippines
Project Phase I and the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project,
and other priority projects lined up for feasibility study support and
implementation, and ensure effective implementation of ongoing projects. Both sides
will work towards the formulation of relevant procedures
and protocols for government concessional loan (Renminbi-denominated loan), and
utilize
preferential buyer's credit, commercial loans for development and
co-financing arrangements between China and multilateral development banks, and
provide financial support to key infrastructure projects.
17.
Both
sides will give full play to the role of the Sino-Philippine Center for
Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) Technical Cooperation Phase (TCP) III, and
promote cooperation in the fields of high quality seeds, agriculture
infrastructure and machinery. Both sides will step up
cooperation in fishery. The
Philippines appreciates China's donation of the
first batch of 100,000 grouper seeds in 2017 and assistance in relevant capacity building, and welcomes the upcoming donation
of another 100,000 grouper seeds in November
2018 and 15,000 fresh water fish seeds for broodstock
development early next year. Both sides will exchange best practices and cooperate
in projects on poverty alleviation.
18.
Both
sides agree to promote cooperation in Science and Technology through exchange
of experts and scientists, best practice sharing, joint researches, high tech
park cooperation, joint organization of seminars, symposiums, and workshops,
and other forms of cooperation mutually agreed upon under the framework of the
Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology. Both sides agree to
implement collaborative efforts on rice research, bamboo post-harvest and
processing, renewable energy, green oil from cashew, traditional medicine, and
technology transfer. The Ministry of Science and Technology of China also expresses
readiness to host young Filipino scientists to China for the Talented Young
Scientists Program (TYSP), so as to support the capacity building of the
Philippines. Both sides welcome the adoption of the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on
Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation during the 21st
ASEAN-China Leaders' Meeting.
19.
Both
sides will encourage cooperation in the area of information and communication
technology (ICT) to improve their respective technology and service
capabilities.
20.
Both
sides recognize that the growing Chinese tourist arrivals in the Philippines
over the past years have contributed to the economic growth of the Philippines.
Both sides will encourage their citizens to travel to each other's
country, strengthen cooperation in tourism infrastructure development and
encourage airlines to open more direct flights between cities of the two
countries, in order to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
21.
The
two sides fully recognize the importance of education exchanges including
technical vocational education and training (TVET) and cooperation in enhancing
the understanding and friendship between the two countries, and encouraged
relevant government agencies and educational institutions of various types and
levels to engage in active cooperation.
China will provide an additional 50 Chinese Government
Scholarships Grants for Philippine students on annual basis from 2019-2021.
Both sides will implement the Executive
Program of Cultural Agreement between China and the Philippines, 2019-2023 signed during the
visit and encourage their cultural institutions and groups to increase exchange
of visits.
China
will set up a Chinese Culture Center in the Philippines. Both sides supported
more twinning agreements between their cities and provinces.
22.
Both sides agree to strengthen its bilateral
relations in the field of labor and employment and committed to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on the Employment
of Filipino Teachers of English Language in China which was signed on 10
April 2018 in Boao, China, and welcome the implementation of arrangements
for Filipino teachers of the English language working in China. The MOU
signifies China's cognizance of the qualifications and competence of
Filipino teachers to work in tertiary educational institutions as teachers of
the English language. The MOU also endeavors for both countries to ensure the
protection and promotion of the welfare of teachers while working onsite.
23.
The
Philippines welcomes the official launch of the Chinese Consulate-General in
Davao City. Reciprocal arrangements for diplomatic premises in both countries
will be made in the spirit of the 1975 Joint Communiqué, on the basis of
international practice and reciprocity, with priority given to the most
immediate concerns.
24.
Both
sides exchanged views on issues regarding the South China Sea, and reaffirmed
that contentious issues are not the sum total of China-Philippines
bilateral relations and should not exclude mutually beneficial cooperation in
other fields. Both sides also reaffirm the importance of maintaining and
promoting regional peace and stability, freedom of navigation in and
over-flight above the South China Sea. Both sides stay committed to addressing
disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force,
through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly
concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of
international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982
UNCLOS.
25.
Both
sides note that the situation in the South China Sea has become generally more
stable as a result of joint cooperative efforts between China, the
Philippines, and other ASEAN Member States. Both sides, together with ASEAN
Member States, will work for the full and effective implementation of the
Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its
entirety. Both sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum of the
negotiations on the Single Draft Code of Conduct (COC) Negotiating Text, with a
view towards the early adoption of an effective COC, based on consensus.
26.
Both
sides agree to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the
South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and
stability. Both sides also note the importance of confidence-building measures
to increase mutual trust and confidence. In this regard, both sides affirm the
importance of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea and
the Maritime Cooperation Joint Committee between the two Coast Guards.
The two sides agree to maximize and strengthen the
on-going coast guard, defense and military dialogue and liaison mechanisms,
with a view to facilitating quick responses to situations on the ground and
contributing to the enhancement of mutual trust and confidence between their
coast guard and defense agencies.
27. Both sides welcome the
signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and
Gas Development between the two governments, and agree to discuss maritime cooperation
including maritime oil and gas exploration, sustainable use of mineral, energy and
other marine resources.
They also agree to strengthen existing
cooperation mechanisms in other maritime-related areas. Both sides agree to
cooperate in the implementation of relevant international maritime instruments
to ensure the safety of life at sea, marine environmental protection, and human
resources development.
28.
The two sides spoke positively of the development of China-ASEAN relations,
and congratulated the 15th Anniversary
of the China-ASEAN Strategic
Partnership and the China-ASEAN Year of Innovation. Both sides welcomed the adoption of the China-ASEAN Strategic
Partnership Vision 2030 during the 21st China-ASEAN
Leaders' Meeting. China supports the Philippines as the Country Coordinator
of the China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations and the coordinator
for cooperation between China and BIMP-EAGA. The
Philippines welcomes and supports the enhancement of cooperation between China and BIMP
EAGA, which will contribute to ASEAN Community Building and China-ASEAN
cooperation.
29.
Both
sides agree to promote international peace and security, a rules-based
multilateral free trade regime, and promote development, as well as enhance
cooperation under relevant multilateral frameworks including the United Nations
(UN) system.
30.
Both
sides welcomed the signing of various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
(MOU) during the visit, as listed in the Annex.
31.
The
two sides agree that the milestone visit of President Xi Jinping has
contributed to the advancement of friendship and cooperation between China and the
Philippines. President Xi Jinping appreciated the warm and friendly hospitality
accorded to him and his delegation by President Duterte and the Philippine
government, and extended an invitation to President Duterte to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to
be held in Beijing, China in April 2019. President Duterte accepted the invitation
with pleasure.
Annex:List of agreements
and MOUs
1. Memorandum of
Understanding between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the
Government of the Philippines on Cooperation within the Framework of the Belt
and Road Initiative
2. MOU on Cooperation on
Oil and Gas Development between the Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
3. Agreement on Economic
and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
4. Infrastructure
Cooperation Program between the Government of the People's Republic China and
the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
5. Program for
Cooperation on Industrial Parks Development between the People's Republic of
China and the Republic of the Philippines
6. The Exchange Letter
on the implementation of the Davao River Bridge Project between the Government
of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the
Philippines.
7. The Exchange Letter
on the implementation of the Road and Bridge Project in Marawi between the
Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic
of the Philippines
8. Exchange of Letters
on Project of Container Inspection Equipment between the Government of the
People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the
Philippines
9. Handover Certificate
of Emergency Humanitarian Cash Assistance between the Government of the
People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the
Philippines
10. Executive Programme
of the Cultural Agreement between the Government of the people's Republic of
China and the Republic of the Philippines for 2019-2023
11. Memorandum of
Understanding on Basic Education between the Ministry of Education of the
People's Republic of China and the Department of Education of the Republic of
the Philippines
12. Memorandum of
Understanding on promoting the Cooperation in Information and Communications
Industry Between Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the
People's Republic of China and Department of Information and Communications
Technology of the Republic of the Philippines
13. Memorandum of
Understanding between the Ministry of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the
People's Republic of China and the Cooperative Development Authority Office of
the Republic of the Philippines on Strengthening the Building of Agricultural
Cooperatives
14. .Memorandum of
Understanding on Jointly Promoting the Cooperation in Key Infrastructure
Projects in Davao Region between the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of
the People's Republic of China and the Department of Finance of the Government
of the Republic of the Philippines
15. Implementation
Agreement of the Feasibility Study of Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge
16. Implementation
Agreement of the Feasibility Study of Davao City Expressway Project
17. Memorandum of
Understanding on Renminbi Clearing Arrangement
18. Protocol Of
Phytosanitary Requirements For Export Of Fresh Young Coconuts From Philippines
To China Between General Administration Of Customs Of The People's Republic Of
China And The Department Of Agriculture Of The Republic Of The Philippines
19. Protocol of Sanitary
and Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Frozen Fruits from Philippines
to China between General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of
China and the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines
20. Memorandum of
Understanding on Supporting the Feasibility Study of Major Projects between the
China International Development Cooperation Agency of the Government of the
People's Republic of China and the Department of Finance of the Government the
Republic of the Philippines
21. Memorandum of
Understanding between China Foreign Affairs University of the People's Republic
of China and the Foreign Service Institute of the Republic of the Philippines
22. Preferential Buyer's
Credit Loan Agreement on the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project
between the Export-Import Bank of China and the Metropolitan Waterworks and
Sewage System (NWSS)
23. Memorandum of
Understanding on Panda Bonds Issuance
24. Contract Agreement of
the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project between China Engineering
Corporation and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewage System (NWSS)
25. MOA for the
Development of a China-Philippines Mixed Use Industrial Park in the New Clark
City
26. Project Management
Consultancy Contract of the Philippine National Railway South Long Haul Project
between the China Railway Design Corporation and the Department of
Transportation of the Republic of the Philippines
27. Commercial Contract
of Safe Philippines Project, Phase I
28. Letter of No
Objection to the Organization of the Renminbi-Philippine Peso Foreign Exchange
Trading Market
29.
Certificate
of Authority to Operate for the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Limited –
Manila Branch
JOINT STATEMENT between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines
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