Photographer: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images
Photographer: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images
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China will donate 500,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine to the Philippines and has pledged to accelerate investment in infrastructure in the Southeast Asian country as the ties between the two improve.
The pledge was made by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday during meetings with Filipino counterpart Teodoro Locsin and President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila, according to statements by Duterte’s office and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
“The recovery of nations depends on stronger economies,” said Duterte. “China plays a very important role in revitalizing our region’s economy. We will do everything in our power to revive economic activities between the Philippines and China. “
Wang, who arrived in Manila on Friday, was on a weeklong trip to Southeast Asia that included stops in Indonesia and Myanmar. The visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister came amid persistent tensions in the South China Sea and before the change of leadership in the United States
China also agreed to grant a 500 million yuan ($ 77 million) grant to finance infrastructure projects, among other things, according to the statements.
Philippines says China will not use vaccine to anticipate maritime claims
Wang pledged to complete infrastructure projects funded by China, saying that deals were finalized in a A $ 400 million bridge plan that will connect Samal Island to Duterte’s hometown, Davao, and a $ 940 million freight rail project connecting the Subic Bay Free Zone and Clark Airport.
“With our two nations’ ongoing interest in regional stability and the security of our maritime resources, it is up to us to show our ability to meet the challenge of managing differences peacefully and in accordance with the law,” said Locsin.
(Updates with comments on infrastructure in the first paragraph.)