Jiang Zemin hails cooperation with Philippines

Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin on Thursday hailed the smooth development of friendly and cooperative relations between China and the Philippines since the two countries established diplomatic relations some 30 years ago.

Jiang Zemin meets Philippine President

With the continued strengthening of political trust and deepening of the cooperation, China and the Philippines have enjoyed good coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, said Jiang while meeting with Philippine President Gloria Arroyo.

The two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation in maintaining stability and promoting joint development in the South China Sea, Jiang added.

During the talks, Jiang also expressed his hope that the two sides make joint efforts to further develop bilateral relations.

Arroyo, who arrived in Beijing Wednesday afternoon for a three-day state visit, said China is an important neighbor to the Philippines and has provided friendly support and assistance to her country's economic and social development.

China is the first country for her to visit after she was reelected president in May. It showed the Philippines attaches great importance to the relations with China, Arroyo stressed.

As for the Taiwan issue, she said her government fully understands and supports the stance of the Chinese government and people over the matter. She reiterated the Philippines' continued adherence to the one-China policy.

Jiang said he highly appreciated the Philippine government's adherence to the one-China policy and its attention on developing relations with China.