MANILA, Philippines – Despite bilateral tensions in the Spratlys, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert F. del Rosario will pay an official visit to China on July 7 and 8.
According to a statement from the DFA, del Rosario was invited by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. He will also be meeting with Vice President Xi Jinping.
Del Rosario’s visit will aim to advance bilateral relations with China. He is also expected to talk about trade, investment, tourism and defense cooperation.
Del Rosario also expects to discuss the issue of the West Philippine Sea, although he adds that, “this particular issue is not the sum total of the Philippines’ relations with China.”
The Philippines and China have signed over 100 agreements over the past 3 decades.
