Despite having contrasting positions on territorial issues, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines and China remain friends and partners in various areas of cooperation.
Lorenzana made the remark following the turnover of donated military equipment worth 130 million Chinese renminbi (around PHP1.05 billion) by China’s Ministry of National Defense to the DND in a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday.
“This military grant from China speaks volumes on how our two nations can be civil, diplomatic, and friends despite some issues on territorial claims,” Lorenzana said, referring to Manila and Beijing’s territorial claims over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The first batch of military equipment worth 76 million Chinese renminbi arrived in Manila on January 16.
The donation comprises various military equipment such as rescue and relief equipment, drone systems, detectors, water purification vehicles, ambulances, firetrucks, x-ray machines, EOD robots, bomb disposal suits and transport vehicles; and engineering equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks, forklifts, and earthmovers.
A second batch worth 54 million Chinese renminbi will be delivered on a later date.
Under the terms of the grant, China will support the capacity-building activities of the Presidential Security Group, Marawi rehabilitation efforts, and other humanitarian assistance and disaster relief undertakings.
“Even as a non-traditional partner, China paid special attention to Marawi at the height of the rebellion in 2017 by providing PHP370 million worth of firearms and ammunition. We are happy that after almost five years, Marawi has risen from its destruction with peace and order now in place for Filipinos who consider it home,” Lorenzana said.
Present during the event were Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, acting Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Dou Xuding, Secretary to the Defense Attaché, Maj. Lin Xinhong and delegates of the Chinese Diplomatic Corps.
Lorenzana was also joined by other DND officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino and other military officers, enlisted and civilian personnel.
“In 2020, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and I agreed to sustain closer cooperation between our nations amid the WPS dispute. Both of us unequivocally committed to the primacy of peace in dealing with this complex issue,” Lorenzana said.
As partners, he said the Philippines gains much in trade, infrastructure, technology, and people-to-people exchange.
“Indeed, there is more we can achieve by working together. As we enter a new cycle in the Chinese Lunar Calendar Year, I wish for prosperity for both our peoples, good health, and mutual respect for our sovereignties,” Lorenzana added.
On behalf of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and the Filipino people, the DND chief thanked China for its generous support of the defense and security sector. (PNA)
