Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Minister, Visits US Ally Philippines to Discuss Cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang made his first visit to the Philippines to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations. Attention is focused on the background as the Philippines strengthens its military alliance with the United States.

Qin Gang, Chinese Foreign Minister.
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to major foreign media on the 22nd, Minister Qin held talks with Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo and discussed detailed plans related to the enhancement of bilateral relations agreed upon during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' state visit to China in January with President Xi Jinping. They also agreed to resolve the escalating conflicts between the two countries in the South China Sea, a disputed territory, through cooperation.

Before the talks, Minister Manalo said, "Let's efficiently coordinate the differing positions of our two countries," and Minister Qin responded, "Cooperation is necessary to expand collaboration and enhance relations between our two countries." Minister Qin is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Marcos on the same day.

Minister Qin's visit comes amid the ongoing annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, known as 'Balikatan.' The exercises, which run until the 28th of this month, involve a record number of participants, including 12,200 U.S. troops, 5,400 Philippine troops, and 111 Australian troops. The Philippines and the United States have been allies since signing the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951. Since President Marcos took office in June last year, the Philippines has been strengthening its alliance with the United States.

Meanwhile, President Marcos is scheduled to visit the United States on the 1st of next month to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., to discuss ways to expand economic cooperation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.