Malacañang expressed optimism that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila, viewing his potential presence as a key opportunity to address regional disputes.
While the Chinese leader’s attendance this month is still unconfirmed, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that a high-level meeting would provide the ideal setting to iron out differences.
“Mas maganda po na dumating po talaga ang liderato ng China dahil mas magandang pagkakataon ito para mapag-usapan kung anuman iyong mga maaaring may gusot at doon magkaroon na pagkakataong maresolba,” Castro said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, November 3.
“Kasi kaya nga po ito summit para kung anuman iyong mga issues among the region ay mapag-usapan at maayos,” Castro added.
The statement comes in response to criticism from China, which recently questioned the Philippines’ handling of the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and accused Manila of creating obstacles to Beijing’s participation.
Rejecting these claims, Castro assured the public that the Philippines will not leverage its chairmanship to disadvantage other nations or undermine the inclusivity of the summit.
“Alam naman natin kung saan ang gawi ng ating Pangulo at ng administration na ito. Hindi po gagamitin ang anumang kapangyarihan o anumang posisyon para makalamang kung kaninuman,” the Palace spokesperson said.
Castro noted that China was still represented at the defense meeting through Senior Captain Yang Lei, the Chinese Defense Attaché to the Philippines, allowing Beijing an avenue to share comments and messages.
Emphasizing the administration’s commitment to diplomacy, Castro added that the Philippines maintains open and respectful communication channels with all ASEAN member states and dialogue partners.
“At alam po natin na nakapag-participate din naman po ang China sa pamamagitan ng senior captain, ang Chinese Defense Attaché to the Philippines na si Senior Captain Yang Lei. So, nandoon po ang mga pagkakataon upang makapagbigay ng komento, mensahe ang bansang China during the defense meeting,” she explained.
“[H]indi po iyan ang saloobin ng bansa. At ang laging pinapaalala ng Pangulo, ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa kaninumang bansa ay dapat gumamit ng diplomatikong pamamaraan,” Castro stressed, adding that bilateral relations and summit attendance will remain unaffected.
“So, mararamdaman naman ng ibang mga liderato kung paano ba nakikipag-ugnayan ang ating bansa sa kanila. So, sa ating pagkakaalam ay hindi naman ito maaapektuhan sa darating na ASEAN Summit,” she said.