Visiting Defence Minister Chi Haotian and Philippine Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to defence cooperation, confidence building and efforts to enhance peace and stability in the region.

During their meeting here, Chi said China attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with the Philippines, bears always in mind the larger interests of the two countries' bilateral ties, and devotes itself to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world as a whole.

The People's Liberation Army of China is ready to make joint efforts with the Philippine side to further promote long-term, stable cooperative relations of good-neighborliness and mutual trust between the two countries, said Chi, who is also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and a state councilor.

Reyes said his country is devoted to developing sound and stable relations with China and will explore new areas for defence cooperation.

He said the Philippines gives priority to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and is willing to solve its differences with China through peaceful consultation.

He reiterated that the Philippine Government will continue to follow the one-China policy, and Chi expressed his appreciation of the Philippine Government's commitment in this regard.

Both Chi and Reyes expressed happiness over the improving relations between the two countries' defence establishments and armed forces in recent years, in a joint statement issued by them at the end of the meeting.

To further build confidence and deepen the defence relations between the two countries, Reyes proposed that more activities be undertaken within the framework of a joint statement signed by the two countries in May 2000 that serves as a guide for bilateral cooperation in the 21st century.

Chi assured Reyes that China will do everything it can to push forward friendship and intensify confidence-building measures, particularly through the exchange of visits between the two countries' defence and military officials, according to the statement.

Chi arrived here on Wednesday night for a four-day visit, the second by a high-ranking Chinese official for the month. Two weeks ago, China's top legislator Li Peng paid a three-day official good-will visit to the country.

During his stay here, Chi will call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and also meet the commanding generals of the Philippine Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Philippines is the third leg of Chi's current three-nation tour, which has already taken him to Canada and Indonesia.

(China Daily September 27, 2002)