China to Deepen Pragmatic Cooperation with the Philippines

CHINESE STATE COUNCILOR AND DEFENSE MINISTER General Chang Wanquan said in his talks with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Oct. 25 that China is willing to broaden and deepen pragmatic cooperation with the Philippines.

"China seeks to enhance strategic mutual trust with the Philippines, properly handle differences, and push for a sustained and healthy relationship between our two countries,as we are neighbors," Chang said in Manila, where he visited President Duterte.Duterte said the Philippines attaches great importance to developing relations with China and he expressed his thanks to China for providing precious support to the development of the Philippines, especially in its efforts to fight terrorism in the southern Philippines.

The Philippines is also willing to deepen its friendship and cooperation with China, and properly handle the South China Sea issue through dialogues,consultations and friendly cooperation. Chang was in the Philippines to attend the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)and the 4th ADMM-Plus Meeting, which includes ASEAN's eight dialogue partners — Australia, China,India, Japan, New Zealand,South Korea, Russia and the United States.