Leni Robredo eyes talks with Beijing vs Chinese drug rings

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo has opened the possibility of talking to the Chinese government in a bid to curb the drug trade, as several persons arrested in drug operations were either Chinese nationals aside from Chinese-Filipinos.

According to Leni Robredo, the co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), she would study possible discussions with Chinese officials as there’s a pressing need to gather information from people that could help them.

Leni Robredo also implied that it would not be different if she would hold talks with China as the two countries have been communicating and sharing information about the drug problem.

The statements of Leni Robredo came a day after she sat down with United States (US) Embassy officials to discuss the latter’s assessment of the Philippines’ drug war, and the things that may be improved.

Leni Robredo stressed however that she was open to discussions with other countries that might help her solve the drug problem in the country.

US has been the country’s longtime ally, but ties between Beijing and Manila improved further under President Rodrigo Duterte, who vowed to implement an independent foreign policy.

However, critics of the administration have pointed out that most of the illegal drugs in the country come from syndicates based in China.

A report from American think-tank group Rand Corp. said that the Asian superpower is becoming a leading source for methamphetamine chemicals — which are being used to make methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, a cheap drug usually consumed by people in poor sectors.

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Edited by ADBC