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September 1, 2011

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Hu and Aquino highlight ties

CHINESE President Hu Jintao and his Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino III yesterday agreed to strengthen economic and trade cooperation while minimizing the impact of disputes in the South China Sea.

Before the disputes are resolved, the countries concerned may explore forms of common development in the relevant sea areas, Hu told Aquino in Beijing.

China's stance on the South China Sea issue has been consistent and explicit, Hu said after a welcoming ceremony for Aquino, who is on his first state visit to China since taking office in June 2010.

China is ready to work with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including the Philippines, to actively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and jointly develop the waters into "a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation," Hu said.

In the declaration, signed by China and ASEAN members in 2002, all parties pledged to not conduct activities that might complicate or escalate disputes over the region. In July this year, China and the ASEAN adopted an agreement that established guidelines for implementing the declaration.

Aquino said the Philippines works to maintain peace and stability in the region and implement the declaration.

The South China Sea issue does not constitute all Philippines-China relations, Aquino said, adding that the issue should not affect the development of bilateral ties and friendly cooperation.

"It's a set policy of the Chinese government to consistently consolidate and develop strategic and cooperative relations with the Philippines," Hu said.

Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of nine cooperation agreements, including economic and trade cooperation, and agreements between tourism, sports and media agencies.





 

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