Philippine President Reiterates Adherence to "One China" Policy

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated Tuesday that her administration will continue to follow the "One China" policy, describing it as the political basis of the Philippines-China relations.

During a courtesy call by Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui in the presidential palace, Arroyo said the new government of the Philippines attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to work together with the Chinese government to further strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries.

The "One China" policy is the political basis on which the Philippine-Chinese relations develop, and the Philippine government will abide by this policy in handling Taiwan-related issues, she stressed.

The Philippine president also called for the strengthening of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of agriculture, trade and investment.

This would help her administration's goal of rebuilding the southern island of Mindanao which was badly damaged by the all-out war policy of the previous administration of former President Joseph Estrada, she added.

Arroyo assumed presidency in January in a "People Power" uprising that toppled her corruption-tainted predecessor.






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