China, Philippines attain agreement over security, defense

China and the Philippines Friday attained agreement over many issues on security and defense in their third round of bilateral defense and security dialogue in Manila.

Lt. General Zhang Qinsheng, deputy chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China and Antonio Santos, undersecretary for Defense Affairs of the Philippines, co-chaired the dialogue meeting at the Aguinaldo Camp in Quezon City.

The two sides discussed a variety of issues concerning international and regional security, including the fight against terrorism, situation in Northeast Asia, maritime security, national defense and military construction.

They also had in-depth discussion about strengthening the exchanges and cooperation between PLA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This is the third time for the two countries to hold bilateral defense and security dialogue since they established the consultation mechanism in 2005.

During the dialogue, Zhang briefed his Filipino counterpart on China's principle policy of seeking peace and development and the country's defensive national defense policy.

He reiterated China's firm stand and resolution to foil any attempt to split Taiwan from China.

Zhang also said China is willing to further develop the relations between PLA and AFP.

Santos said the Philippine government and the AFP highly evaluate friendly relations with the PLA. He stressed that the Philippines sticks to "one China policy" and highly appreciates the contributions being made by China to maintain international and regional peace and stability.

Zhang arrived here on Thursday for a three-day visit to the Philippines at the invitation of the Philippine Department of National Defense.

He also met with Philippine Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Defense Secretary Hermogenes Edejer Ebdane and AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Source: Xinhua