China wishes the coming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in the Philippines a success and is willing to offer the rotating host necessary support, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Manila on Tuesday.
Wang, who is paying a working visit to the Philippines at the invitation of his Philippine counterpart Albert Del Rosario, told the Chinese press that APEC is important to Asian countries as it helps promote cooperation among developing countries in the region.
He said that the Philippine leadership extended their warmest welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned presence at the summit and considered Xi's visit the most important support for the host.
Wang said China and Philippines are close neighbors with long-lasting friendship between the two peoples. Many Filipinos have Chinese blood, including former President Corazon Aquino.
Corazon Aquino, mother of the current Philippine president, once said "I'm president of the Philippines, and also daughter of this village" when she took what Chinese described as a "root-tracing" trip to China's southeast Fujian Province.
Wang quoted Corazon Aquino's words, saying her remarks are a vivid reflection of Sino-Philippine friendship.
He reiterated China's willingness to resume stable, healthy and friendly relationship with the Philippines.
"China is always open to dialogues. Consultation and negotiation are the only correct and feasible way to solve problems between the two countries," said Wang.
