国际英语资讯:Yearender: Manila ushers in new era of Sino-Philippine relations under Duterte as China exten_时事

国际英语资讯:Yearender: Manila ushers in new era of Sino-Philippine relations under Duterte as China exten

"By design, his 'sum total' approach to Philippine-Chinese relation is now center stage: a calibrated attempt to lower tensions related to the South China Sea disputes, a greater focus on trade and economic issues, and also a willingness to use Chinese largesse to fill the infrastructure deficit in the Philippines," read the editorial.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin called the Duterte visit "highly successful," saying it "signifies the full return of China and the Philippine's friendship back to its normal level."

Liu said, after the bilateral talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Duterte, "A new stage is now open between the two countries to address the South China Sea issue though bilateral discussions, and it means a full recovery of the traditional friendship between China and the Philippines."

Duterte's so-called pivot to China is seen by many politicians and observers as the right move at the right time.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Pernia said Duterte has rebalanced Philippine foreign policy by ordering his cabinet to move quickly towards regional economic integration with ASEAN and North Asia's powerhouses, such as China.

Even before the victory of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Dominguez said the Duterte administration was already keen on joining the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, rather than the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is being championed by outgoing President Barack Obama who framed the TPP as the centerpiece of the U.S. "pivot to Asia." The U.S.-led trade pact excludes China.