Chinese Defense Minister visits RP, gives 50 million RMB in grant

By Ronron
September 3, 2007

The Defense chief of the People’s Republic of China (RPOC) arrived in Manila late Sunday for a five-day visit and granted 50 million RMB (renminbi) to the Philippine Defense establishment during a meeting yesterday (Monday) with his Filipino counterpart.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan’s visit is “in accordance with the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between China” and the Philippines signed previously by his predecessor, Secretary Avelino Cruz, Jr.

“We agreed to continue to dialogue, which is a mutual exchange of view regarding regional concerns,” Teodoro told reporters after around three hours of closed-door meeting with Cao, attended also by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“And the Chinese government has given today a 50 million RMB grant of items, which shall be discussed at a later time,” he added.

Aside from that, both officials also talked about the possibility of exchange of military students in the future.

Asked how these will benefit the Philippine military, Teodoro only said: “You know, closer ties regionally with all our neighbors is good for the military.”

But when sought of his view about possible reactions from the United States with the improving defense relations between Beijing and Manila, the Defense chief said: “We treat all nations equally. Under our Constitution, we have to treat and respect all nations as good neighbors in the spirit of amity and cooperation to all of them.”

A statement of the Defense department said Cao will also pay separate calls on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile representing Senate President Manuel Villar, and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

He and his delegation will also visit Cebu, in the company of Charges d’ Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Hon. Deng Xi Jun, the statement said.

“The visit comes at a time when Philippines and China relations are at a Golden Age of Partnership,” the statement said./DMS