PRESS RELEASE

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China-Philippines Prepare for Formal Talks on Cooperation

Aug. 12, 2016 (EIRNS)—Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos has finished his five day visit to Hongkong after meeting with Fu Ying, Vice Minister of the Foreign Ministry, and chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress. They co-signed a statement which said that their

"informal discussions focused on the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation."

Global Times added that the statement said that China welcomes Ramos visiting Beijing at some point as the special envoy of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, and that they had discussed the possibility of cooperation in various sectors including fishing, ocean conservation, anti-drug and anti-smuggling efforts, as well as trade and tourism. Ramos also met with Wu Shichun, president of China’s National Institute of South China Seas Studies.

"China hopes such exchange could help resume dialogue and improve bilateral ties between China and the Philippines," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement on Friday.

No date for the formal talks have been announced.

Turkey going to Russia, the Philippines going to China—how is a neo-con President supposed to start a world war these days?