Philippines, China signing pacts during minister’s visit

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China are expected to sign bilateral agreements during the official visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the country on Oct. 28 and 29.

According to an advisory released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday, Wang will hold meetings with Philippine officials in Davao City, President Duterte’s hometown.

The Duterte government’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program is expected to be discussed during Wang’s visit.

Wang will hold the official visit to the Philippines upon the invitation of newly appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Wang will meet with Locsin and Duterte’s economic managers, and they are expected to sign several bilateral agreements.

The officials will hold a press conference at Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

Wang and Locsin will witness the signing of bilateral agreements on infrastructure, law enforcement and humanitarian assistance.

Wang was supposed to visit the Philippines from Sept. 16 to 18, at the invitation of former DFA secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, but the visit was postponed due to Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut).

Wang’s original agenda included the proposed joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement in September, the DFA said the Philippine and Chinese officials were “expected to continue discussions on oil and gas cooperation, with the view of coming up with a framework of cooperation that conforms to respective rules and regulations and international laws.”

Cayetano earlier said the Philippines was open to a 60-40 deal, in favor of Manila, should a joint development undertaking with China push through. – With Janvic Mateo, Jaime Laude