MANILA, Philippines — With much of Chinese trade passing through the South China Sea, Beijing has a “greater stake” in ensuring peace and stability in the major sealane than any other nation, its envoy has said. Speaking at the 70th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in Makati City Thursday night, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua also said Beijing remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. “More than 60 percent of China’s foreign trade and energy supplies pass through the South China Sea, so China has a greater stake in safeguarding the peace and stability of the South China Sea than any other country,” Zhao said. The COC, he said, aims to turn the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and prosperity. He said China is now the largest export market of Philippine bananas, bringing income of $345 million to local banana growers.

Source: Philippine Star September 27, 2019 16:30 UTC