PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday said the Philippines and China should discuss fishing rights of Filipinos in disputed parts of the South China Sea as he stressed the two countries have “no quarrel” despite conflicting claims in the area.
The President, during the inauguration of the China-funded Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Project in Manila, thanked the Chinese government for its “confidence and for being a partner in enhancing key infrastructure projects in our country.”
Welcoming the completion of the project, Duterte said his administration remains committed to providing a comfortable life for Filipinos through various opportunities for growth and success.
He said he expects the project to help enhance mobility and connectivity, and pave the way for economic growth and enhanced productivity.
The Binondo-Intramuros bridge is a two-way, four-lane, 680-meter structure that links Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive, and Binondo at Rentas Street, Plaza del Conde Street and Muelle dela Industria. It is expected to benefit around 30,000 motorists daily and help ease traffic in Metro Manila.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xillian said the project is the 16th completed government-to-government project between China and the Philippines.
The President, addressing Huang, said the Philippines and China “do not have any quarrel.”
“Ambassador Huang, the Philippines and China, we do not have any quarrel. And we can talk about the Spratly Islands and probably the fishing rights of my countrymen – plain talk, nothing else,” he said.
Last month, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said a Chinese Coast Guard conducted a dangerous maneuver at the Scarborough Shoal area, increasing the risk of collision with a PCG vessel, BRP Malabrigo, that was conducting a routine patrol. The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest over the “close distance maneuvering.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, however, said the Philippines should respect China’s sovereignty and avoid interfering with the patrol operations of the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the area.
