MANILA, Philippines – In a preview of his approach toward China if elected president, Vice President Jejomar Binay stressed China’s economic might as he pushed for bilateral talks between Manila and Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.
“May pera po ang China, kailangan po natin ng kapital (China has money, we need capital),” Binay said in an interview on Saturday, April 12, over the radio station DZYM in Catarman, Northern Samar.
His office sent to reporters the transcript of the interview on Tuesday, April 14.
In particular, he called for a “joint venture” between the Philippines and China in developing the natural resources in the South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea.
The Vice President – who wants to become Philippine president in 2016 – said he hopes the Philippines can improve its trade relations with China despite the maritime dispute.
Read more: http://www.rappler.com/nation/89880-binay-china-philippines-south-china-sea