PH, China move to de-escalate tensions via cultural exchanges - Remulla

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday, Feb. 13, that it is pushing for stronger cultural exchanges with China as part of efforts to deescalate tensions and improve cooperation between Manila and Beijing.

- By CHITO CHAVEZ and ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan on Thursday, Feb. 12, to exchange views on strengthening law and order and ensuring the safety of citizens from both countries.

Their dialogue centered on practical measures that could help deescalate tensions and foster better mutual understanding between the two nations. Cooperation in maintaining peace and order was also part of the discussion, he noted.

However, Remulla said the Philippines' sovereign claims over the Kalayaan Group of Islands were not taken up.

"Hindi namin pinag-usapan ang Kalayaan. Mas pinag-usapan namin kung paano mag-de-escalate ng tensions sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa. And a lot has to do with cultural exchanges (We never discussed the Kalayaan issue. We were more focused on how to de-escalate tensions between the two countries.

And a lot has to do with cultural exchanges)," Remulla explained.

Despite the meeting, Remulla reiterated the Philippines' position on the disputed Kalayaan Group of Islands.

He stressed that the country retains its sovereign right to occupy the islands.