THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will discuss with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua the supposed entry of drugs into the Philippines from their country.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay Jr. said they would send a note verbale to express the Philippine government’s deep concern over the role of China in the country’s drug problem.
The DFA action came after President Duterte’s revelation that China is the major source of illegal drugs being dumped in the country.
“The note verbale will contain a call to China to cooperate with the Philippines against illegal drugs,” DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said.
In a recent dialogue between Yasay and Jianhua, the latter assured that China would support the country’s campaign against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.
Last month China and the Philippines also agreed to work out an antinarcotics plan of action to address the proliferation of illegal substances, while also putting a stop in the use of drug mules.
Chinese Embassy Spokesman Lingxiao Li said China was ready to work with the Philippines on its drug campaign.
“China has expressed explicitly to the new administration China’s willingness for effective cooperation in this regard and would like to work out a specific plan of action with the Philippine side,” Li said in a statement
It added that China “fully understands” that President Duterte has already made a pronouncement that he will give priority to efforts to crack down drug-related crimes.
Mr. Duterte previously accused five police generals of protecting three big-time Chinese-Filipino drug lords. He also noted that four Hong Kong nationals were arrested when police raided “floating shabu laboratories” in waters off Subic.
The Philippines is still embroiled in territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea, despite the favorable decision even after the Permanent Court of Arbitration handed the Philippines a favorable verdict.
President Duterte recently sent former President Fidel V. Ramos to hold initial talks with China on the dispute and move forward relations between the two countries.