China says the Philippines is a priority for its vaccine
MANILA – The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines is a friendly close neighbor and will be given priority to its needs once Chinese scientists have succeeded in developing a vaccine.
In a press briefing yesterday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wang Wenbin said both China and the Philippines have been “standing together with mutual assistance, turning anti-epidemic cooperation a new highlight in bilateral relations. This was his reaction to a question about President Rodrigo Duterte’s account that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping last Thursday and asked about the Philippines’ access to the vaccine.
The spokesman also said countries have their rights to uphold their own independent foreign policy and develop foreign relations based on national interests.
On President Duterte’s refusal to accommodate Americans into Subic Bay, Spokesperson Wang said the chief executive’s policy propositions are “in keeping with the fundamental interests of the Philippines, the shared aspiration of regional countries, and the trend of the times for peace and development.”
He explained China’s position on the South China Sea has been “consistent and clear.”
“As has been proven, properly handling this issue is in the interest of both China and the Philippines and regional peace and stability. We appreciate President Duterte’s remarks and stand ready to properly resolve maritime disputes with the Philippines through friendly consultations to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and the entire region,” Mr. Wang added. (Melo M. Acuña)
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Wang Wenbin. (MOFA, PROC Website Photo)
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