On 8 September 2010, H.E. Liu Jianchao, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, called on H.E. President Benigno C. Aquino at Malacañang Palace. The two sides exchanged views on China-Philippines relations.
The two sides spoke highly of the growing bilateral relations, trade, economic cooperation and cooperation in various fields. The two sides agreed to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation so as to strive for continued development of China-Philippines strategic and cooperative relationship.
Ambassador Liu said that the hostage-taking incident on 23 August caused tragic casualties of Hong Kong compatriots. The Philippine Government and people share mourning sentiments with the Chinese people, and have expressed condolences and sympathies in various forms to the victims and bereft families. President Aquino showed his firm determination in settling the aftermath of the incident by promising a comprehensive, thorough and fair investigation. The Chinese and Philippine sides are working together to see to it that the investigation proceed in a smooth and steady manner. We acknowledge what the Philippine Government and people have done so far, and hope that the Philippine side presses ahead with the investigation and produces a comprehensive and fair report, which tells the truth, upholds the justice and becomes something that can be drawn upon for handling similar cases in the future. We believe that the Chinese and Philippine sides have the wisdom to deal with this isolated incident in an appropriate manner so as to turn challenges into opportunities for achieving a sound and stable development of China-Philippine relations.
President Aquino said that the Philippine Government attached great importance to developing friendly relations and cooperation with China. He stressed that the Philippine side will work closely with the Chinese side to go ahead with the investigation with out unprincipled protection and cover-up. He looked forward to the concerted efforts by the two sides in striking a proper settlement of the related issues and moving on with Philippines-China relations.