China offers to train the Armed Forces of Philippines

After aiding the Armed Forces of Philippines in their fight against the communist rebels, the PLA continues to maintain its military training invitations to the AFP despite the current dispute.  Exchanges as such demonstrate the relationship between China with its neighbors in Asia is complex and not driven by a single issue. 

China invites AFP for schooling
By AARON B. RECUENCO
July 7, 2011, 6:51pm
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/325856/china-invites-afp-schooling

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been invited by China to send some local officials for schooling in its military school, a move that could bolster relationship between the two countries amid tensions brought by the alleged intrusions at the disputed Spratlys Island.

But Commodore Jose Miguel Rodriguez, AFP spokesman, was quick to clarify that China has been sending invitations in the past only that this year’s invite is being highlighted because of the Spratlys tension.

“China has invited us to send our students to take up the GSC and that is something that will build personal relations, the way we are doing it with other countries,” said Rodriguez.

GSC stands for General Staff Course, a requirement for promotion to colonel.

Such invitation, along with the visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario could ease the tension between the two claimant-countries according to Rodriguez.

The official would not comment on the talking points on del Rosario’s visit but said that the presence of the latter in China would stabilize the situation amid the issues raised by the Philippines that there have been at least six intrusions committed in Spratlys believed to be by China.

“We are just very hopeful that there will be a lot of positive results in the visit,” said Rodriguez.

But for Rodriguez, what is needed to ease the Spratlys tension is for claimant-countries to be open and transparent on the things they do inside the disputed island group.

“More exchange of information, more openness, a lot more transparencies like if you are going there you should at least inform the other country,” said Rodriguez
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/325856/china-invites-afp-schooling