Philippine President appoints Chinese envoy, "delicate moment" Presidential Palace | Philippines | President
According to foreign media reports, on the 16th local time, the Philippine Presidential Office announced that President Marcos has appointed former Foreign Minister Rochin as the President's special envoy to China. When asked why Marcos chose Lochin, Filipino Political Office Director Chelo Velicaria Galafel stated that the move was aimed at improving China Philippines relations.
Screenshot of the report
According to Philippine News Agency, Luo Qin is a lawyer, politician, and former journalist. In October 2018, he was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs by then Philippine President Duterte. In September 2022, Lochin was appointed by Marcos as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom. After announcing that Luo Qin would be appointed as the special envoy to China, Philippine Presidential Office Information Minister Galafel stated that "he will concurrently undertake two tasks.".
Several senators in the Philippine Senate have expressed appreciation for the appointment of Lochin and believe that Lochin is the best candidate for this job.
Juan Miguel Zubiri, the Speaker of the Philippine Senate, praised Rochin as "very suitable" for this job. "As a former foreign minister, he possesses professional knowledge and experience in dealing with China."
Senators Francis Escudro and Echesdow stated that any action to promote dialogue between China and the Philippines has always been the most popular. The appointment of Rochin demonstrates President Marcos's commitment to safeguarding national interests in a peaceful manner and maintaining smooth communication channels in maritime disputes between the two countries.
Agence France Presse mentioned that China Philippines relations are currently at a "delicate moment". On August 5th, despite repeated dissuasions and warnings from the Chinese side, the Philippines insisted on sending ships to illegally enter the waters of Ren'ai Reef. Chinese coast guard ships intercepted them in accordance with the law and took warning enforcement measures.
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Regarding this appointment, Western media has hyped up that Luo Qin has repeatedly made "tough remarks against China". In 2021, he made indecent remarks on the South China Sea issue. After being refuted by the Chinese side, Luo Qin apologized to the Chinese side, and Duterte also criticized him in a TV program without naming him.
But Luo Qin has also shown a friendly side towards China. According to the Philippine newspaper World Daily, he once stated on a TV program in 2018 that apart from some controversy over the South China Sea issue, China is a friend of the Philippines.
According to the Manila Communique of the Philippines, in 2019, in response to then US Secretary of State Pompeo's warning to "see the details" when dealing with China, Lochin retorted on social media, "Last time the Philippines' didn't see the details clearly, it was Western financial institutions that plunged them into the most serious debt trap."
On the 17th, the Manila Communique quoted Philippine Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rekto, as saying that although Rochin's "sharp words" may be the "best weapon," the current situation requires not loudspeaker diplomacy, but silent efforts that can bring results. He believes that Luo Qin will not "incite" the deterioration of the situation, but rather "press the restart button" on China Philippines relations.