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Tag: CAEXPO

DFA skips issue on cancellation of China visit

Published by Ellen on September 2, 2013

By Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files

Nanning International Exposition Center
Nanning International Exposition Center
The Department of Foreign Affairs issued Monday a media briefer on the China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) but skipped the issue that President Aquino was not informed that China had canceled as early as Aug. 23 his planned attendance at the event on Sept. 3.

DFA’s failure to relay China’s message to Malacañang that Aquino visit “at a more conducive time” and send instead Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo had put the President in an embarrassing situation as he announced on Aug. 28 his trip to Nanning, Guangxi, site of this year’s Expo.

In a media briefing, Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez read a five-point Question and Answer and did not entertain questions.

The Q &A insisted that Aquino was invited by China, belying a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry that “China never extended an invitation to the Philippine president.”

Hernandez referred reporters to China’s note verbale to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations sent through this year’s coordinator, Thailand, saying “it is our sincere hope that the leaders of the 10 ASEAN members states would make their presence at the 10th CAEXPO.”

Continue readingDFA skips issue on cancellation of China visit

Aquino to visit China Sept. 3

Published by Ellen on August 13, 2013

By Tessa Jamandre,VERA Files

Presidet Aquino and Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2011.
Presidet Aquino and Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2011.
President Aquino is going on a one-day trip to China on Sept. 3 in what is seen as an effort to end strained relations with China triggered by the standoff in Bajo de Masinloc in April last year.

The President has accepted China’s invitation to attend the 10th ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO) to be held in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from Sept. 3 to 6, Malacañang and Department of Foreign Affairs sources said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will receive Aquino and the special envoys of the other nine ASEAN countries. Aquino will also attend a forum with Chinese businessmen.

Continue readingAquino to visit China Sept. 3