Photographer: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images
Photographer: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images
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China will give 500,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine to the Philippines and vowed to accelerate investment in infrastructure in the Southeast Asian nation as ties between the two improve.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the commitment on Saturday during meetings with Philippine counterpart Teodoro Locsin and President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, according to statements from Duterte’s office and the Department of Foreign Affairs. of the Philippines.
“The recovery of nations lies at the back of the strongest economies,” Duterte said. “China plays a very key role in reviving the economy of our region. We are doing everything we can to revive economic activities between the Philippines and China. “
Wang, who arrived in Manila on Friday, was on a week-long trip to Southeast Asia that included stops. Indonesia i Myanmar. The visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister took place amid persistent tensions in the South China Sea and ahead of the change of leadership in the US
China also agreed to provide a grant of 500 million yuan ($ 77 million) to finance infrastructure projects, among other things, according to statements.
The Philippines says China will not use the vaccine to advance maritime claims
Wang pledged to complete China-funded infrastructure projects, saying the agreements have been finalized in a $ 400 million bridge plan to connect Samal Island to Duterte’s hometown of Davao, and a $ 940 million freight railroad project connecting the Subic Bay Freeport area and airport of Clark.
“With the ongoing interest of our two nations in the regional stability and security of our maritime commons, it is important to show our ability to meet the challenge of managing differences peacefully and in accordance with the law,” he said. Locsin.
(Updates with comments on infrastructures from the first paragraph.)