FILE: (Left-Right) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at Yanqi Lake International Convention Center in the northern suburb of Beijing, China on May 15, 2017. (PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines —The West Philippine Sea issue will be tackled by a special panel during the annual Boao Forum in China on April 10.
Members of the panel include diplomats, experts and representatives from academe in South East Asia.
“There is a special panel in the South China Sea issue that will be conducted. It’s a topic every year. Again, it’s how to discuss the issue and to look for ways on possible solutions, areas of cooperation,” Philippine ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said.
A bilateral meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected on the sidelines of the forum.
Some of the agreements will be signed which include the opening of opportunities for Filipino English teachers.
“We have final loan agreement on Chico Dam project. There some minor details iron out, but if everything works, the agreement to open to hire more Filipino-English teachers,” said the ambassador.
However, Romana said there will be no signing of an agreement on West PH Sea joint exploration.
“There will be no agreements signed this time on joint exploration. I think the talks are ongoing. We are trying to find a suitable legal framework that will be acceptable to both sides,” said the ambassador. — Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue
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