The following is a joint statement released by China and the Philippines on Friday:
JOINT STATEMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Beijing, 21 October 2016
1. At the invitation of H.E. President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, H.E. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Republic of the Philippines undertook a state visit to China from 18 to 21 October 2016.
2. During the visit, President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had a fruitful meeting in an amicable and friendly atmosphere and conducted in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of shared interest. H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council, and H.E. Zhang Dejiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. H.E. Zhang Gaoli, Vice Premier of the State Council, and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte also attended the opening ceremony of China-Philippines Economic and Investment Forum and delivered remarks.
3. Both sides acknowledge the centuries-old bonds of friendship of the two peoples. Both sides agree that the mutual understanding and friendship of the two peoples are important. Both sides will make concerted efforts to cement the traditional friendship of the two peoples.
4. Both sides agree that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Philippines relations have enjoyed smooth development and remarkable progress in many areas of cooperation which have benefited both countries and peoples.
5. Both sides commit to further enrich China-Philippines bilateral relations, founded on mutual respect, sincerity, equality and mutual benefit, which is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
6. Both sides reaffirm the principles contained in the China-Philippines Joint Communique of 1975 and other documents, whose principles include, among others, the principle of the peaceful settlement of all disputes and the Philippines' adherence to the One-China Policy.
7. Both sides affirm their partnership and their common aspiration to achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth that will benefit the peoples of both countries. Both sides agree that this is a milestone visit which will infuse new energy to bring tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries. Both sides will work together to pursue the sound and stable development of the strategic and cooperative relationship for peace and development.
8. Both sides acknowledge the great importance of maintaining high-level exchanges in promoting the all-around development of bilateral relations.
9. Both sides welcome the signing during the visit of various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), as listed in the Annex.
10. Both sides express interest in finalizing agreements and MOUs in such areas as education, finance, customs and sports.
11. Both sides affirm the importance of existing China-Philippines bilateral dialogue mechanisms in enhancing understanding, broadening cooperation and striving for a stronger relationship. Both sides agree to resume the Foreign Ministry Consultations, Consular Consultations, Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation, Annual Defense Security Talks, Joint Committee on Agriculture, Joint Committee on Science and Technology, and other bilateral dialogue mechanisms.
12. Both sides will encourage exchange of visits of high-ranking governmental delegations and leaders at the local level, legislative organs, political parties, and civil organizations, and increase interactions and communications.
13. The Philippines welcomes China's proposal to open a Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Davao in due course. Proper arrangements for the diplomatic premises in both countries will be made in the spirit of the 1975 Joint Communique, on the basis of international practice and reciprocity, with priority for the most immediate concerns.
14. Realizing that coordinated action is necessary to combat transnational crimes, the two countries' relevant agencies, subject to mutually agreed arrangements, will enhance cooperation and communication to combat transnational crimes, including telecommunications fraud, on-line fraud, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and wildlife trafficking.
15. Both sides oppose violent extremism and terrorism in all forms and will cooperate in the fields of information exchange, capacity building, among others, in order to jointly prevent and address the threat of violent extremism and terrorism.
