MANILA, Philippines—Noting that diplomatic relations between Beijing and Manila were “becoming more and more mature,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao said China was open to discussing the conflict over the Spratlys and other bilateral issues during President Benigno Aquino III’s upcoming state visit to Beijing.
“We’re open for dialogue, conversation and we’ll be very happy to discuss with the Philippine government and the President issues that both sides are interested in,” Liu said at a diplomatic reception hosted by designated Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario at a Makati City hotel.
“Everything can be talked about,” he said.
He expressed confidence the talks would he held in “a very broad-based (spirit of) goodwill and in the spirit of seeking a well-measured settlement of this issue.”
“We can work out ways to maintain peace and stability in the region where we have dispute(s).”
The Philippines recently dispatched a military plane to the Spratlys, west of Palawan, after a research ship authorized by the Department of Energy complained that it was “harassed” by Chinese Navy patrols in the area.
The Spratly islands, which are believed to lie on an offshore oil belt, are claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Parts of it are also claimed by Malaysia and Indonesia.
“I’m sure we have the wisdom to keep stability and peace in this region and at the same time, all of us will benefit from a stable and peaceful region,” he said.
According to Liu, “if we can cooperate in this region in exploring and developing the resources, it’s going to be a wonderful arrangement.”
“At the same time, we can reduce the sources of all conflicts,” he also said.
Liu reiterated that China “respects the relations between the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (which groups the Philippines and nine other countries).”
“Actually, we will be very much willing to see the improvement of relations between the US and ASEAN,” he said, adding that good relations based on “good faith and goodwill” will benefit peace and stability in the region.
China, he claimed, is “also ready to work with ASEAN and the US in preserving peace and stability and in particular, promoting prosperity (in the region).”
On Mr. Aquino’s trip to China, Liu said “we’re working with the (Department of Foreign Affairs) on the proper way for the President’s visit.”