01 July 2017

News Story: Chinese premier says shared interests outweigh differences with Philippines

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The shared interests of China and the Philippines far outweigh the differences, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday.

"The restoration of China-Philippine relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and regional peace and stability," Li said when meeting with visiting Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

The Chinese government supports the Philippines' effort to achieve national and economic development and maintain stability, Li said.

Li called on both sides to respect and treat each other as equals, consolidate political trust, deepen cooperation in infrastructure and other key areas and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

Stressing that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a diplomatic priority for China, the premier said China supports the Philippines to work as rotating chair of the ASEAN this year and hosting of the East Asian Leaders' meetings on cooperation.

Read the full story at Xinhua