PCOO chief likens China to a ‘grandfather’

MANILA -- “China is like celebrating a grandfather’s birthday. And you know what a grandfather is — a grandfather means wisdom.”

This was how Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar described China during a reception for the country’s 70th founding anniversary at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday (Sept. 26).

“And it has grown so much in its economy and it’s grown so much in its culture and the values that it shares not only inside China, but the other neighboring countries and places where this One Belt and One Road Initiative passes through. So much wisdom, so much generosity, congratulations to the People’s Republic of China,” Andanar said.

“So much wisdom, so much generosity, congratulations to the People’s Republic of China,” he added.

Andanar also said that ties between the Philippines and China are also “better than ever” and that the Philippines is “experiencing good economic trading strides” with China.

"We are also experiencing growth in tourism from China, we are exporting more of our agricultural products to China, we are seeing many businesses and investors come from China. Our government and the government of the People's Republic of China are working together," he added.

Overcoming challenges

Like Andanar, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Malaya, for his part, hailed China’s strong economic growth from the past seven decades.

Speaking on behalf of DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Malaya emphasized the two countries' "special bonds and partnerships."

“These past seven decades witnessed perhaps the most remarkable story of growth, development, and poverty alleviation the world has yet seen. The revitalization of the Chinese nation to a position of global prominence," Malaya said.

Malaya also expressed confidence that the Philippines and China will overcome challenges due to the close relations and mutual trust the two countries have cultivated in recent years.

"As with any journey, we might on occasion encounter challenges, but the road before us is broad. And as we continue moving forward in good faith, mutual respect, and cooperation between two friends, no obstacle should be insurmountable,” Malaya said.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua acknowledged the maritime dispute between the countries and proclaimed that it does not define the country’s bilateral relations.

“It is our belief that South China Sea issue is not the sum total of China-Philippine relations, nor disputes, the sum total of South China Sea issues,” Zhao said.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said relations between Philippines and other countries will not be affected because of differences in views.

He said this after President Rodrigo Duterte released a memorandum blocking financial assistance from 18 countries that backed the Iceland-sponsored resolution calling for a probe into the drug war.

“Walang epekto kasi yun namang relasyon natin (There is no effect because our relation) is not confined to loans. Pareho rin yun ng ating away (Just like our dispute) with China, hindi lang naman dun sa conflict natin, marami pang areas na puwede natin pag-usapan (we don’t just focus on our conflict, there are many other areas we can discuss),” Panelo said. (PNA)

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