Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Malacañang on Tuesday reminded China that it should watch its words and take into consideration the commemoration of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.
“We wish to gladly inform China that we just celebrated yesterday the 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day and perhaps, instead of condemning the friendly games between the Philippines and Vietnam, China should focus on engaging the Philippines in friendly initiatives,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told media.
The statement came a day after Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying called the Philippines and Vietnam’s joint games at a disputed island in Spratlys “nothing but a farce.”
The Philippine and Vietnamese troops played football and volleyball together at Pugad Island (Dao Song Tu Tay in Vietnam) to “foster camaraderie,” a navy official said.
Both countries are opposing Chinese claims and actions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Lacierda on Monday insisted that the country’s relationship with China was “multifaceted” and that the territorial row is only one of the many issues tackled by the two nations.
“We have always had very good relations with China in the other areas of exchange that we have: people-to-people, tourism, trade,” he said.
It is for this reason that President Benign Aquino III will grace the 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day celebration on Tuesday evening at Manila Hotel’s Tent City.
Aquino will be joined by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua for the event organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). They will also celebrate the Philippines’ 116h Philippine Independence Day.
At least 1,000 Philippine officials, diplomats, businessmen and members of Filipino-Chinese associations are expected to attend the celebration.
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