Aquino urges China to show benevolence

President Benigno Aquino III. AP

PHNOM PENH—President Benigno Aquino called on China to show benevolence and generosity toward weaker states in the region, including the Philippines, if it hoped to sustain its economic growth in times of uncertainty.

“As a nation that has only recently taken its first steps toward equitable progress, the Philippines looks to China to set the example of wise and peace-seeking leadership,” Mr. Aquino said, addressing other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) at the Peace Palace here.

Mr. Aquino spoke before an audience that included Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the 15th Asean-China Summit, one of the side meetings at the 21st Asean Summit being held in the Cambodian capital.

“A China that is benevolent and generous toward its smaller neighbors can enhance stability in the region and allow each of our nations to sustain the growth we have so far experienced despite global uncertainties,” Mr. Aquino said.

“And so, as we keep avenues for positive dialogue open, so do we wish that unnecessary disruptions in our growth are avoided,” he said in an apparent reference to the territorial dispute with China over isles in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Touching on the issue of maritime security, Mr. Aquino cited a US offer to broaden the Asean seafarers’ training program at the first expanded Asean maritime forum hosted by Manila last month.

Mr. Aquino said the program would strengthen vessel security and build the capacity of seafarers against acts of piracy. “This is especially relevant to the Philippines, since my people compose a full quarter of the entire world seafaring population,” he said.