PNoy due in China for 1st time since tensions got worse

CHINA - Philippine President Benigno Aquino III travels to China for the first time since tensions between the two countries rose over maritime disputes.

Aquino is due in Beijing to attend the 25th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit from November 9 to 11.

"Mga kababayan ko sa Tsina, dadating ang ating Pangulong Aquino dito sa Tsina para dumalo sa leaders' summit ng APEC," Philippine ambassador to China Erlinda Basilio said in an interview with Radio TV Malacañang on Monday.

The Philippines is hosting the APEC in 2015. So far, there is no word if Aquino will have a one-on-one meeting with his Chinese and US counterparts at the sidelines of the summit.

Among the expected bilateral meetings for Aquino are Australia, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam.

In 2013, Aquino was supposed to grace the China ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China but was advised by the Chinese government to come at a more conducive time.

The Philippines, on the other hand, is working hard to encourage more Chinese tourists to come to the Philippines and see its world-class destinations.

"Of course this is something that the embassy aspires for because one of our responsibilities is to promote Philippines as the referred destination among our Chinese friends and we are tirelessly trying our best to realize this aspiration in spite of the difficulties," Basilio said.

China is the Philippines' fourth biggest source of foreign travelers, Basilio said.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing and the six consulates general especially the country's tourism attaché from the Department of Tourism is trying to keep the Philippines in the consciousness of the Chinese tourists.

"We even advertise on buses. We go around Beijing and other parts of China. We bring the Chinese people to the embassy," the ambassador said.

Basilio also called on all Filipinos to work together to improve the country's relationship with China.

"Ito po ay nagke-create ng trabaho sa atin, ito po ay isang magandang paraan para lalong mapalapit ang iba't ibang mga dayuhan sa bayan natin at sa ating mga kababayan," she said.

Basilio said that she believes the relations between the Philippines and China are still guided by the understanding between Aquino and then Chinese President Hu Jintao when they said that the maritime dispute should not affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The misunderstanding on certain issues will and should not affect the other facets of the two countries' relations such as economic, cultural and people to people, according to Basilio.

"However we maintain that the Philippines is safe and fun destination. And its people is known to be hospitable and warm host, friendly and welcoming to all," she said.
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