The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) admits good relations between China and the U.S. are important for stability not only in the Asian region, but the entire world.

DFA officials pointed out Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States could mean easing tensions in disputed areas in the South China Sea.

They also added there is now a huge potential for diplomacy as China-U.S. ties improve – which will help in the Philippines’ territorial rows with China.

In his speech at the White House on Friday (September 25), President Xi renewed China’s “diplomatic and economic vows” with the U.S. He also promised peaceful cooperation with Asian neighbors.

Analyst Professor Chito Sta. Romana says the Chinese president’s statements reveal the unending tension between geopolitics and economics among world powers. He adds that efforts to strengthen economic interdependence is one way to ease this tension. Details