 |
| China ready to combat illicit drug trade with Philippine Government |
A day after President Rodrigo Duterte bared plans to confront China over the drug problem, the Chinese embassy in Manila issued a statement recognizing the anti-drug campaign is a “shared responsibility of all countries in the world.”
"China fully understands that the Philippine government under the leadership of H.E. President Rodrigo Duterte has taken it as a top priority in cracking down drug-related crimes,” the statement sent by Lingxiao Li, spokesman of the Chinese Embassy in Manila read.
“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,” it added.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed dismay at the alleged involvement of Chinese nations in drug operations in the country, saying he would soon ask China about the matter. Duterte claimed that many Chinese visitors were into drugs even inside jail.
Duterte however said his planned talks with China would be made “at the proper time” as the government is dealing with a “bigger issue,” alluding to the maritime row with the Asian giant.
Reacting to Duterte’s remarks, China also defended that it has been waging a strong campaign against illegal drugs.
“The Chinese government has been firm and severe in drug control and in punishing all drug criminals in accordance with laws regardless their nationalities,” the embassy said.
China has also promoted and carried out “effective international cooperation with many countries,” the embassy added.
“Illicit drugs are common enemy of the mankind. Fighting against all drug-related crimes is shared responsibility of all countries in the world,” the embassy said.
The President, who intends to suppress drugs and crime within the first six months in office, earlier identified two Chinese drug lords operating in the country, namely Peter Co and Peter Lim.
Co, also known as Wu Tuan, reportedly leads the triad operations in Luzon despite being locked up at the National Bilibid Prison.
Lim, on the other hand, recently met the President in Davao City and denied allegations of drug connections. The President told Lim to face the police investigation to clear his name.
