Xinhua News Agency, Manila, November 21st, the full text of the joint statement between People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Philippines is as follows:
Joint statement between People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of the Philippines
(Manila, November 21, 2018)
1. At the invitation of President Rodrigo Roya Duterte of the Republic of the Philippines, the Supreme Leader of President People’s Republic of China (PRC) paid a state visit to the Philippines from November 20 to 21, 2018.
During the visit, the leaders of the two countries held talks to review the history of friendly exchanges between China and the Philippines, plan the future development of bilateral relations, exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, and reach important consensus.
During the visit, the Chairman of the Supreme Leader also met with Speaker of the Philippine Congress gloria macapagal arroyo and Senate President Vincent Castro Soto.
2. The Philippines congratulates China on its great achievements in the 40 years of reform and opening up, and wishes the people of China to successfully achieve the goal of "two hundred years". China congratulates the Philippines on its outstanding achievements in maintaining national peace, promoting sustainable economic growth and social development under the leadership of President Duterte, and wishes the Philippines greater progress in national development.
3. Both sides agreed that good Sino-Philippine relations are conducive to enhancing the fundamental well-being of the two peoples. Thanks to the joint efforts and mutual trust of both sides, the relationship between the two countries has changed and is constantly improving. The two sides agreed to make persistent efforts to promote the cooperation agreement reached to achieve more positive results.
4. The two heads of state agreed that raising China-Philippines relations to a higher level conforms to the fundamental interests and common aspirations of the two countries and peoples, and decided to establish a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship between China and the Philippines on the basis of mutual respect, frankness, equality and mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation.
5. The two sides reiterated that the existing bilateral dialogue mechanisms between China and the Philippines, including China-Philippines diplomatic consultations, consular consultations, the Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation, the annual defense and security dialogue, the Joint Commission on Agricultural Cooperation, the Joint Commission on Fisheries Cooperation and the Joint Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, are of great significance to enhancing understanding, expanding cooperation and strengthening the partnership between the two sides.
6. The two heads of state agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen the guiding planning of bilateral relations through bilateral exchange visits, telephone calls, letters and meetings on multilateral occasions, timely communicate on major regional and international issues, and enhance the exchange of experience in governing the country. The Philippines reaffirms its adherence to the one-China principle.
7. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on jointly promoting the construction of the Belt and Road, and welcomed the contribution of cooperation initiatives such as the ASEAN Interconnection Master Plan 2025 to promoting regional connectivity.
8. The two sides believe that the relations between the two armies are an important part of the relations between the two countries and are conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability. The two sides will jointly implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between the two countries and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism, humanitarian relief, disaster reduction and peacekeeping.
Nine, the two sides believe that it is necessary to strengthen medical and health cooperation. The leaders of the two sides agreed to continue to expand exchanges and cooperation in the fields of traditional medicine, training of medical experts and scientific and technological personnel, public health, medical informatization and health management.
10. China promises to continue to support the Philippine government in its efforts to crack down on illegal drugs and drug-related crimes, and is willing to strengthen cooperation in combating the smuggling of drugs and precursor chemicals, information sharing, joint case handling, and drug rehabilitation. The Philippine side spoke highly of the completion of the Chinese-aided drug rehabilitation center in Sarangani Province and the smooth progress of the construction of the drug rehabilitation center in Shawn Ku Province, and thanked the Chinese side for donating drug inspection equipment and providing personnel training.
11. The two sides strongly condemn terrorism in any form and will strengthen cooperation in information exchange and capacity building to jointly prevent and respond to the threat of terrorism. China reaffirms its firm support and assistance to the Philippines in its fight against terrorism and post-war reconstruction in Malawi. The Philippine side expressed its gratitude for this.
12. The two sides agreed to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and jointly crack down on transnational crimes such as duty crimes, telecom fraud, illegal online gambling, computer crimes, human trafficking and smuggling of endangered wild animals and plants and their products. The two sides agreed to speed up the signing of the treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries.
13. The two sides spoke highly of the achievements of China-Philippines economic and trade cooperation and will continue to implement the Six-Year Development Plan for China-Philippines Economic and Trade Cooperation. Promote more local currency settlement of bilateral trade and investment, strengthen customs exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, and promote the facilitation of economic and trade activities.
14. China is willing to speed up the certification process, expand the import of more high-quality agricultural products such as Philippine tropical fruits, and promote the two-way trade balance.
15. The two sides will speed up the implementation of the Sino-Philippine Industrial Park Cooperation Plan signed during this visit, so as to provide a good environment for enterprises of the two countries to invest in each other’s countries.
16. Both sides agreed that infrastructure cooperation is the highlight of China-Philippines cooperation. The two sides will promote the early completion of Chikou River irrigation, Manila Pasig River Bridge and other projects, accelerate the promotion of Kaliva Dam, Ping An Philippine Phase I, South Line of North-South Railway and other projects that need urgent feasibility study support, and ensure the smooth implementation of relevant projects. The two sides are willing to actively explore and formulate the implementation process of preferential loans for China’s aid to the Philippines, and continue to use free aid, preferential export buyer’s credit, development commercial loans and financing arrangements under multilateral mechanisms to serve the above-mentioned key infrastructure cooperation projects.
17. The two sides agreed to give full play to the role of the third phase of the China-Philippines Agricultural Technology Center and strengthen cooperation in the fields of high-quality crop seeds, agricultural infrastructure and agricultural machinery. The two sides support further strengthening fishery cooperation. The Philippine side thanked China for donating 100,000 Eastern Starfish fry to Palawan and Davao in 2017, and provided assistance to the Philippine side in capacity building in related fields. China is welcome to continue to donate 100,000 Eastern Starfish fry to the Philippines in 2018 and 15,000 freshwater fish fry in early 2019. The two sides will also strengthen practical exchanges and project cooperation in poverty reduction.
18. The two sides will cooperate on scientific and technological personnel exchange, experience sharing, joint research, science and technology parks, and organization of seminars and seminars under the framework of the China-Philippines Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of rice research, bamboo processing, renewable energy, cashew nut oil extraction and technology transfer. China’s Ministry of Science and Technology is willing to invite young Philippine scientists to China to participate in the "International Youth Project" to help the Philippines strengthen its capacity building. The two sides welcomed the joint statement of China-ASEAN cooperation in science and technology innovation issued by the 21st China-ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting.
19. The two sides encouraged the strengthening of exchanges and cooperation in the field of information and communication, and enhanced the communication technology level and service capabilities of the two countries.
20. The two sides noted that the number of tourists from China to the Philippines has increased significantly in recent years, contributing to the economic development of the Philippines. The two sides will continue to encourage their citizens to travel to each other’s countries, strengthen cooperation in tourism infrastructure development, and encourage airlines of the two countries to open more direct flights to further facilitate two-way personnel exchanges.
21. Both sides fully affirmed the important role of educational exchanges, including vocational and technical education and training, in enhancing understanding and friendship between the two countries, and encouraged the educational administrative departments of both sides and educational institutions at all levels to actively carry out pragmatic cooperation.
From 2019 to 2021, China will provide 50 new Philippine government scholarships to the Philippines every year on the original basis. The two sides will jointly implement the 2019-2023 Implementation Plan of the Cultural Cooperation Agreement between the two countries signed during this visit, and encourage cultural institutions and delegations of the two countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation.
China will initiate the establishment of the China Cultural Center in the Philippines. The two sides support the establishment of more friendly provincial and municipal relations between the two provinces and cities.
22. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of labor and employment, jointly implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Filipino English Language Teachers Working in China signed in Boao on April 10, 2018, and welcome the formal implementation of the work arrangements for Filipino English teachers in China. The memorandum of understanding shows that China recognizes the qualifications and abilities of Filipino teachers as English teachers in higher education institutions, and that both sides are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of the teachers concerned at work.
23. The Philippine side welcomes the official opening of the Consulate General of China in Davao. Based on international practice and the principle of reciprocity, the two sides will make reciprocal arrangements for bilateral diplomatic premises, especially the most urgent concerns, in the spirit of the 1975 communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
24. The two sides exchanged views on the South China Sea issue, arguing that the South China Sea dispute is not the whole of China-Philippines relations and should not affect mutually beneficial cooperation in other fields. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting regional peace and stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign States directly concerned in accordance with the universally recognized principles in international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, without resorting to force or threat of force.
25. Both sides believe that with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries including the Philippines, the situation in the South China Sea has become more stable. The two sides will work with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, maintain the momentum of active consultation on the draft single consultation text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and strive to reach an effective Code at an early date on the basis of consensus.
26. The two sides agreed to exercise self-restraint and not to take actions that complicate and enlarge the dispute and affect peace and stability. The two sides recognize that confidence-building measures are of great significance to enhancing mutual trust, and affirm the importance of the bilateral consultation mechanism between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue and the mechanism of the Joint Committee on Maritime Cooperation of the Marine Police.
The two sides agreed to maximize and strengthen the role of the existing defense and marine police dialogue and liaison mechanism, respond to emergencies at sea in a timely manner, and enhance mutual trust and confidence between relevant departments of both sides.
27. The two sides welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Oil and Gas Development Cooperation, and are willing to actively discuss maritime cooperation including offshore oil and gas exploration and development, minerals, energy and other sustainable utilization of marine resources.
The two sides agreed to strengthen the role of other existing maritime cooperation mechanisms, implement relevant international maritime documents, ensure the safety of life at sea, and strengthen cooperation in marine environmental protection and human resources development.
28. The two sides positively evaluated the development of China-ASEAN relations, congratulated China-ASEAN on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership and China-ASEAN Innovation Year, and welcomed the adoption of Vision 2030 of China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership at the 21st China-ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting. China supports the Philippines in fulfilling its responsibilities as a coordinator of China-ASEAN relations and China-ASEAN East Growth Zone cooperation. The Philippine side welcomes and supports China’s promotion of cooperation with the East ASEAN Growth Zone and its contribution to the construction of the ASEAN Community and China-ASEAN cooperation.
29. The two sides agreed to jointly safeguard international peace and security, safeguard the rules-based international multilateral free trade system, promote development cooperation, and strengthen cooperation under international multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations.
30. The two sides welcomed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation signed during the visit (see annex for details).
31. Both sides agreed that President Supreme Leader’s visit has enhanced China-Philippines friendship and cooperation, which is a milestone in the development of China-Philippines relations. The Chairman of the Supreme Leader expressed his gratitude to President Duterte and the Philippine side for their warm and friendly reception and invited President Duterte to China to attend the second "Belt and Road" international cooperation summit forum in April next year. President Duterte accepted the invitation with pleasure.
attachment
List of signing cooperation documents and awarding ceremony
I memorandum of understanding between the government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the government of the Republic of the Philippines on jointly promoting the construction of the belt and road initiative.
II. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Oil and Gas Development Cooperation.
III. Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
IV. Infrastructure Cooperation Plan between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
V. Cooperation Plan for Industrial Parks between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
6. Exchange of Notes between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Project Establishment of Davao River Bridge in the Philippines.
7. Exchange of Notes between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the Establishment of Road and Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Malawi, Philippines.
8. Exchange of Notes between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on the Project of Container Inspection Equipment Assistance to the Philippines.
IX. Handover Certificate between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Emergency Humanitarian Cash Assistance.
X. Implementation Plan for the Cultural Cooperation Agreement between the Government of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines from 2019 to 2023.
XI. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of the Philippines on Cooperation in Basic Education.
12. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology of the Republic of the Philippines on Strengthening Cooperation in the Communication Field.
XIII. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the Cooperative Development Agency of the Republic of the Philippines on Strengthening the Construction of Agricultural Cooperatives.
XIV. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Commerce of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines on jointly promoting cooperation in key infrastructure projects in Davao.
15. Implementation Agreement between the Ministry of Commerce of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Ministry of Public Works of the Republic of the Philippines on Feasibility Study Project of Aid to the Cross-sea Bridge Project.
XVI. Implementation Agreement between the Ministry of Commerce of People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Ministry of Public Works of the Republic of the Philippines on the Feasibility Study Project of Aiding Feidavao Expressway.
17. Memorandum of Cooperation between the People’s Bank of China and the Philippine National Bank on Establishing RMB Clearing Arrangements.
18. Protocol between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines on Plant Quarantine Requirements for Fresh Coconut Exported to China from the Philippines.
19. Protocol between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines on Inspection and Quarantine Requirements for Frozen Fruits from the Philippines to China.
20. Memorandum of Understanding between People’s Republic of China (PRC) China International Development Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines on Supporting the Feasibility Study of Major Projects.
21. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Diplomatic Training between China Foreign Affairs University and Philippine Foreign Affairs University
Twenty-two, "The Export-Import Bank of China and the Republic of the Philippines Urban Water Supply and Sewage Management Bureau on preferential export buyer’s credit loan agreement for Kaliva dam project in the Philippines"
XXIII. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Panda Bond Issuance in the Republic of the Philippines in 2018
XXIV. Business Contract of Ping An Philippines Phase I Project
25. Contract Agreement between China Energy Construction Co., Ltd. and Manila Urban Water Supply and Sewage Management Bureau of the Philippines for the New Century Water Source-Kaliva Dam Project.
Twenty-six, China Gezhouba Group Co., Ltd. and the Philippine Republic Base Transformation and Development Agency on the Framework Development Agreement of Clark New Town Industrial Park between China and the Philippines.
27. Commercial Contract for South Line of North-South Railway (Design Management Consulting Section)
Twenty-eight, the central bank of the Philippines issued a certificate to the representative of the Philippine Association of RMB Dealers.
29. Awarding Ceremony of Manila Branch of China Industrial and Commercial Bank.