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Philippines, China push for peaceful, strategic cooperation

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, talk during a state banquet at Malacanang Palace in Manila on Nov. 20, 2018. (Mark R. Cristino, Pool Photo via AP)
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A protester displays a placard next to police during a rally in front of the Chinese consulate in Manila on November 21, 2018, held to coincide with the visit of China's President Xi Jinping to the Philippines. (AFP / Ted Aljibe)
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Student rallyists protest against the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a demonstration outside the Presidential Palace in Manila on Nov. 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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China's President Xi Jinping (R) offers a wreath at the monument of Philippine national heroes in Manila on November 20, 2018. (AFP / Noel Celis)
Updated 22 November 2018
Ellie Aben
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Philippines, China push for peaceful, strategic cooperation

  • XI's visit marks the first state visit to the Philippines of a Chinese president in 13 years
  • Duterte said Xi’s visit was an opportune time for both countries to celebrate the growing strength of their friendship and cooperation
Updated 22 November 2018
Ellie Aben

MANILA: Chinese President Xi Jinping ended his historic visit to the Philippines on Wednesday, with the two countries committing to push for a peaceful and strategic cooperation.

This was despite an existing territorial dispute over the South China Sea.  Upon the invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte, Xi arrived in Manila Tuesday for a two-day state visit. It marks the first state visit to the Philippines of a Chinese president in 13 years. 

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting, charting the course for the future of Philippines-China bilateral relations, had an in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest, and reached an important consensus. 

During the joint press conference at Malacañan Palace Tuesday evening, Duterte said Xi’s visit was an opportune time for both countries to celebrate the growing strength of their friendship and cooperation.

He noted that in the past two years, both nations have worked hard to lay the cornerstones for the continued advancement of beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas. 




Filipino schoolchildren wave Philippine and Chinese flags as they line up the route for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Manila on Nov. 20, 2018. (AP)

“A lot of work remains, but President Xi’s visit gives a new impetus to our mutual efforts to enhance collaboration in ensuring the wellbeing of our peoples and contributing to peace and stability in the region,” Duterte said, adding that he was “pleased with the current positive momentum of the Philippines-China relations.

“There is a deepening trust and confidence (between) our governments, and we have greatly increased dialogue and interaction on many levels,” he said.

The Philippines president said that he had discussed with the Chinese leader how to further enhance functional cooperation in key work areas, such as bilateral trade and two-way investments promotion. Also tackled was infrastructure development, particularly China’s participation in projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” program, which aims to bring about a golden age of Infrastructure in our country. 

The two leaders likewise discussed cooperation on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi, which was the site of a bloody siege by the Daesh-inspired Maute Group, and the Philippines’ participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

And amid unsettled territorial disputes, Duterte said the leaders also discussed mutual concerns on maritime cooperation, as well as defense, security, law enforcement, transnational crime, and strengthening their partnership in combating the trafficking of illegal drugs.

“With mutual respect, sincerity, and adherence to sovereign equality, I will continue to work closely with President Xi to deepen the relationship between our great countries so we may together secure a peaceful and prosperous future for both our peoples and for the entire region,” he said. 

Xi, for his part, extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to all the people of the Philippines, saying that he had been looking forward to this visit.




Protesters display placards during a rally outside the Chinese Consulate in Manila to protest the two-day state visit of President Xi Jinping onNov. 21, 2018. (AP)

“Just now, the President and I had a friendly, in-depth and productive meeting. We charted the future course of China-Philippines relations and drew an ambitious blueprint for its development,” he said. 

And according to the Chinese president, both sides have agreed to elevate their relationship into one of comprehensive, strategic cooperation. 

“This vision charts a clear course for China-Philippines relations and it sends a strong message to the world that our two countries are partners in seeking common development.

“However the international situation may change, both sides will remain committed to this relationship and work hard to make it even stronger,” he continued.

The Chinese president went on to commend Duterte for his leadership that parallels the development needs of the Filipino people. Thus, he said, the Chinese Government would continue to support the current administration’s initiatives.

“China respects and supports your endeavors, and we would like to see the Philippines playing an even bigger role in regional and international affairs,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the South China Sea issue, both sides reaffirmed that contentious issues are not the sum total of China-Philippines bilateral relations and should not exclude mutually beneficial cooperation in other fields. This, as they also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting regional peace and stability, freedom of navigation in and above the South China Sea. 

A statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs added that both sides remained committed to addressing disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea.

Further, the DFA said both leaders noted that the situation in the South China Sea has become generally more stable as a result of joint cooperative efforts between China, the Philippines, and other ASEAN member states. 

The DFA said both sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum of the negotiations on the Single Draft Code of Conduct (COC) negotiating text, with a view toward the early adoption of an effective COC, based on consensus, and also agreed to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. 

Both sides also noted the importance of confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust. In this regard, both sides affirmed the importance of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea and the Maritime Cooperation Joint Committee between the two Coast Guards. 

“We will continue to manage contentious issues and promote maritime cooperation through friendly consultation, and we will work alongside other ASEAN countries toward the conclusion of the COC consultations based on consensus within three years and contribute our share to peace, stability, and the welfare in this region,” said Xi.

After their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the exchange ceremony of 29 signed bilateral documents, which cover the Philippines-China cooperation in trade and investment, banking and finance, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, among other fields.

The documents signed included a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation on oil and gas development. 

Topics: China Philippines Rodrigo Duterte Xi Jinping

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Minorities fear targeted attacks in post-revolution Bangladesh

Updated 16 sec ago
AFP
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Minorities fear targeted attacks in post-revolution Bangladesh

  • String of attacks targeting religious minorities since a student-led uprising toppled long-time autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina
  • Hindus make up about eight percent of the mainly Muslim nation of 170 million people in Bangladesh
Updated 16 sec ago
AFP
DHAKA: For generations, the small Hindu temple outside the capital in Muslim-majority Bangladesh was a quiet place to pray – before arsonists ripped open its roof this month in the latest post-revolution unrest.
It is only one of a string of attacks targeting religious minorities since a student-led uprising toppled long-time autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina in August.
“We don’t feel safe,” said Hindu devotee Swapna Ghosh in the village of Dhour, where attackers broke into the 50-year-old family temple to the goddess Lakshmi and set fire to its treasured idols on December 7.
“My son saw the flames and doused them quickly,” said temple custodian Ratan Kumar Ghosh, 55, describing how assailants knew to avoid security cameras, so they tore its tin roof open to enter.
“Otherwise, the temple – and us – would have been reduced to ashes.”
Hindus make up about eight percent of the mainly Muslim nation of 170 million people.
In the chaotic days following Hasina’s August 5 ouster there was a string of attacks on Hindus – seen by some as having backed her rule – as well as attacks on Muslim Sufi shrines by Islamist hard-liners.
“Neither I, my forefathers or the villagers, regardless of their faith, have ever witnessed such communal attacks,” temple guardian Ghosh said.
“These incidents break harmony and trust.”
Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to India, where she is hosted by old allies in New Delhi’s Hindu-nationalist government, infuriating Bangladeshis determined that she face trial for alleged “mass murder.”
Attacks against Hindu temples are not new in Bangladesh, and rights activist Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir said the violence cannot be regarded out of context.
Under Hasina, Hindus had sought protection from the authorities. That meant her opponents viewed them as partisan loyalists.
“If you analyze the past decade, there has not been a single year without attacks on minorities,” Kabir said, from the Dhaka-based rights group Ain o Salish Kendra.
This year, from January to November, the organization recorded 118 incidents of communal violence targeting Hindus.
August saw a peak of 63 incidents, including two deaths. In November, there were seven incidents.
While that is significantly more than last year – when the group recorded 22 attacks on minorities and 43 incidents of vandalism – previous years were more violent.
In 2014, one person was killed, two women were raped, 255 injured, and 247 temples attacked. In 2016, seven people were killed.
“The situation has not worsened, but there’s been no progress either,” said businessman and Hindu devotee Chandan Saha, 59.
Political rulers had repeatedly “used minorities as pawns,” Saha added.
The caretaker government has urged calm and promised increased security, and accused Indian media of spreading disinformation about the status of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Dhaka’s interim government this month expressed shock at a call by a leading Indian politician – chief minister of India’s West Bengal state Mamata Banerjee – to deploy UN peacekeepers.
Hefazat-e-Islam, an association of Islamic seminaries, has led public protests against India, accusing New Delhi of a campaign aimed at “propagating hate” against Bangladesh. India rejects the charges.
Religious relations have been turbulent, including widespread unrest in November in clashes between Hindu protesters and security forces.
That was triggered by the killing of a lawyer during protests because bail was denied for an outspoken Hindu monk accused of allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a rally.
Bangladeshi Islamist groups have been emboldened to take to the streets after years of suppression.
Muslim Sufi worshippers as well as members of the Baul mystic sect – branded heretics by some Islamists – have also been threatened.
“There’s been a wave of vandalism,” said Syed Tarik, a devotee documenting such incidents.
Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner appointed the country’s “chief adviser,” has called for dialogue between groups.
Critics say it is not enough.
“To establish a peaceful country where all faiths coexist in harmony, the head of state must engage regularly with faith leaders to foster understanding,” said Sukomal Barua, professor of religion at Dhaka University.
Sumon Roy, founder of Bangladesh’s association of Hindu lawyers, said members of the minority were treated as a bloc by political parties.
“They have all used us as tools,” Roy said, explaining that Hindus had been previously threatened both by Hasina’s Awami League and its rival Bangladesh National Party.
“If we didn’t support AL we faced threats, and the BNP blamed us for siding with the AL,” he said. “This cycle needs to end.”

New hope for flight MH370 families as Malaysia agrees to resume search

Updated 21 December 2024
Kanyakumari Damodaran
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New hope for flight MH370 families as Malaysia agrees to resume search

  • Plane carrying 239 people went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014
  • Families say they hope new search operation will offer ‘long-awaited answers and closure’
Updated 21 December 2024
Kanyakumari Damodaran

KUALA LUMPUR: The families of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 passengers have welcomed with renewed hope the announcement of a new search for the aircraft, which disappeared more than 10 years ago in one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 239 people on board, went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in 2014.

The search became the most expensive operation in aviation history but ended inconclusively in 2018, leaving the families of those on board still haunted by the tragedy.

On Friday, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that he hoped to “give closure to the families” as the government agreed to allow private contractor Ocean Infinity, which was the last to try to locate the plane, to resume search efforts.

He told reporters that the operation would focus on a new area spanning 15,000 sq. km in the southern Indian Ocean — a development raising hope among relatives of passengers and crew aboard flight MH370.

“The significance of this renewed search cannot be overstated. For the families of passengers, the scientific community and global civil aviation safety, it offers renewed hope for long-awaited answers and closure,” Voice 370, the association representing them, said in a statement.

“We, the next of kin, have endured over a decade of uncertainty, and we hope that the terms of the renewed search are finalized at the earliest and the decks are cleared for the search to begin.

“We continue to hope that our wait for answers is met.”

Ocean Infinity, the private underwater exploration firm that will undertake the $70 million search, was briefly involved in the 2018 efforts after a three-year operation covering 120,000 sq. km of the Indian Ocean failed to locate the aircraft and was suspended in 2017.

The new agreement was met on a no-find, no-fee basis, meaning that Ocean Infinity will be paid only when the wreckage is found.

“We are encouraged by Ocean Infinity’s readiness to deploy their advanced fleet, including sophisticated vessels, AUVs and cutting-edge imaging technologies,” Voice 370 said.

“We gather that the company has followed this up with thorough due diligence, analyzing all available data, and alternative scenarios proposed by independent researchers and recommendations on potential search areas.”

Flight MH370 took off from Kuala Lumpur in the early hours of March 8, 2014 and lost communication with air traffic control less than an hour later. Military radar showed the aircraft had deviated from its planned path. It remains unclear why that happened.

Many conspiracy theories have emerged to explain the aircraft’s disappearance, ranging from suspicions of the captain’s suicide to concerns over the 221 kg of lithium-ion batteries in the plane’s cargo, as well as the involvement of passengers, two of whom were found traveling on stolen passports.

When the probe was suspended, Kok Soo Chon, head of the MH370 safety investigation team, told reporters in July 2018 that his team was “unable to determine the real cause for disappearance of MH370” and “the answer can only be conclusive if the wreckage is found.”

Topics: Flight MH370 MH370 Malaysia Boeing 777

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At least 38 die in bus accident in southeastern Brazil

Updated 21 December 2024
AFP
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At least 38 die in bus accident in southeastern Brazil

Updated 21 December 2024
AFP

SAO PAULO: At least 38 people were killed in a bus crash in southeastern Brazil on Saturday, officials said, in what President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called a “terrible tragedy.”
The accident in Minas Gerais state, involving a bus that caught fire in the collision, is the worst seen on Brazil’s federal highways since 2007, according to police data cited by local media.
In their latest report, civil police confirmed 38 fatalities with eight people hospitalized.
Conflicting accounts of the accident have emerged: firefighters initially said the bus at around 3:30 am had blown a tire near the town of Lajinha, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and hit a truck. Another vehicle also hit the bus from behind, officials said, but its occupants survived.
However, firefighters later cited witnesses as saying that a granite block being transported by the truck fell onto the bus, causing the accident.
After the crash, the bus, which had been making its way from Sao Paulo to Vitoria da Conquista, in the northeastern Bahia state, caught fire.
The death toll has crept upward throughout the day, with a spokeswoman for the local fire department earlier telling AFP that “it was not yet possible to specify the exact number due to the state of the bodies.”
The fire department, upon removing charred remains, said earlier that some of the victims had been trapped inside.
In a video released Saturday morning, Lt. Alonso Vieira Junior, with the Minas Gerais fire department, said a crane would be needed to clear the wreckage, and that “there are still more victims to be removed.”
Among the dead are the bus driver and at least one child.
Lula took to social media to offer his prayers for “the recovery of the survivors of this terrible tragedy.”
“I am deeply sorry,” he said, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
The governor of Minas Gerais said he was working “so that the families of the victims are cared for, to deal with this tragedy in the most humane way possible.”
At the end of November, a bus accident in the state of Alagoas, in the northeast, left 17 dead when it plunged into a ravine while traveling on a remote mountain road.

Topics: Brazil

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More than 30 dead in Brazil bus and truck collision

Updated 21 December 2024
Reuters
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More than 30 dead in Brazil bus and truck collision

  • The exact death toll remains uncertain due to the condition of the bodies, which were burned beyond recognition
  • Initially, firefighters reported the bus, carrying 45 passengers, had a tire blowout, causing driver to lose control
Updated 21 December 2024
Reuters

A packed bus collided with a truck and burst into flames early on Saturday in Brazil, killing more than 30 people, the fire department said.
After completing the removal of victims from a major highway near the town of Teofilo Otoni in Minas Gerais, the state’s fire department estimated the number of fatalities between 32 and 35, including at least one child.
The exact death toll remains uncertain due to the condition of the bodies, which were burned beyond recognition.
Confirmation will likely depend on forensic work by the Civil Police, the department said in a statement.
A forensic investigation will also be required to determine the accident’s cause, as differing accounts were gathered from witness testimonies, it added.
Initially, firefighters reported the bus, carrying 45 passengers, had a tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control before colliding with an oncoming truck on the BR-116 federal highway, a major route connecting Brazil’s densely populated southeast to the poorer northeast.
However, witnesses also reported that a granite block the truck was transporting came loose, fell on the road and caused the collision with the bus, said the fire department.
“Only the forensic investigation will confirm the true version,” it added.
The bus departed from Sao Paulo and was headed to the state of Bahia.
Firefighters said they rescued 13 passengers from the wrecked bus. Three occupants of a car that also collided and was trapped under the truck survived the accident.

Topics: brazil bus accident

Indian man denies hospital rape and murder of doctor

Updated 21 December 2024
AFP
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Indian man denies hospital rape and murder of doctor

  • The discovery of the doctor’s bloodied body at a government hospital in Kolkata on August 9 sparked nationwide anger
  • The gruesome nature of the attack drew comparisons with the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus
Updated 21 December 2024
AFP

KOLKATA: An Indian man on trial for raping and murdering a 31-year-old doctor has pleaded not guilty, his lawyer said Saturday, a crime that appalled the nation and triggered wide-scale protests.
The discovery of the doctor’s bloodied body at a government hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata on August 9 sparked nationwide anger at the chronic issue of violence against women.
Sanjoy Roy, 33, the lone accused in the case, pleaded not guilty before the judge in a closed court on Friday in Kolkata, his lawyer Sourav Bandyopadhyay told AFP.
“I am not guilty, your honor, I have been framed,” Roy told the court, Bandyopadhyay said, repeating his client’s words.
Roy, a civic volunteer in the hospital, was arrested the day after the murder and has been held in custody since.
He would potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
The court began hearings on November 11, listening to evidence from some 50 witnesses, but it was on Friday that Roy took the stand.
“Judge Anirban Das questioned him with more than 100 questions during the six-hour-long in camera deposition, that continued until late in the evening,” Bandyopadhyay said.
Roy had earlier proclaimed his innocence to the public while screaming from a prison van outside the court before a hearing in November.
Doctors in Kolkata went on strike for weeks in response to the brutal attack.
Tens of thousands of ordinary Indians joined in the protests, which focused anger on the lack of measures for female doctors to work without fear.
India’s Supreme Court has ordered a national task force to examine how to bolster security for health care workers, saying the brutality of the killing had “shocked the conscience of the nation.”
The gruesome nature of the attack drew comparisons with the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus, which also sparked weeks of nationwide protests.
The trial continues. The next hearing is set for January 2, 2025.

Topics: Kolkata rape kolkata rape case

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