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China wants to resume joint oil, gas exploration talks with Philippines: Xi

Amid lingering dispute on overlapping claims in the South China Sea, Chinese leader welcomes his Philippine counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who is visiting Beijing for the first time as president.

AP

Xi promised Marcos wide cooperation, from support for Chinese investment to the Philippines, to helping its neighbour develop its villages and agricultural technology, basic education, meteorology and space, and vaccines.

China President Xi Jinping has said China is ready to resume oil and gas talks and manage maritime issues "cordially" with the Philippines, according Chinese state television.

Xi was speaking on Wednesday to his Philippines counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who was on a three-day visit to Beijing.

Xi told Marcos that China is willing to jointly explore oil and gas resources in the non-disputed areas of the sea, cooperate with the Philippines on solar and wind energy, and increase imports of fishery products.

Beijing territorial claims in the South China Sea, which is rich in oil, gas and fish and where about $3 trillion in ship-borne trade passes annually, had been a source of tension between it and some Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.

The Philippines had previously raised concerns over reported Chinese construction activities and the "swarming" of Beijing's vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Philippines' Marcos heads to China for a three-day visit during which he is expected to discuss Beijing's activities in the disputed South China Sea https://t.co/XR5hMxIeKd
— TRT World (@trtworld) January 3, 2023

Bonding for new investments

While the Philippines is a defence ally of the United States, under previous leader Rodrigo Duterte it set aside a territorial spat over the South China Sea in exchange for Chinese investments.

Xi also promised wide cooperation, from support for Chinese investment to the Philippines, to helping its neighbour develop its villages and agricultural technology, basic education, meteorology and space, and vaccines.

Marcos's visit comes as Xi reopens China's borders to the world after three year of isolation to guard against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xi greeted Marcos without masks as both men attended a welcome ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, a grand building in the heart of the capital.

Marcos also met Chinese outgoing Premier Li Keqiang and Parliament chief Li Zhanshu on Wednesday.

Marcos has vowed to continue the policy of his predecessor, Duterte, towards China, vowing that Manila will remain "to be a friend to all, and enemy to none."

SOURCE: TRTWorld and agencies