The Huangyan Issue can be solved by direct and sincere dialogues between the Philippines and China, and it needs no interference by a third party, said Jose Claveria de Venecia, former speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines recently.

The 76-year-old Jose Claveria de Venecia was elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 1992 for the first time and has served as Speaker for five times, totalling 15 years. Jose de Venecia is not only a respectful politician in the Philippines but also the founder of Asian Peace and Reconciliation Commission. He has served as president of the standing committee of International Conference of Asian Political Parties.

Jose Claveria de Venecia has always paid high attention to the regional peace and development. Concerning the Huangyan Dispute he said, "Mutual comprehension is key to Asian people. An ancient Philippine saying goes 'Peace won't come with misunderstanding.' That is exactly the current situation between China and the Philippines."

Jose Claveria de Venecia believes that the recent fishing ban in the waters around the Huangyan Island eases the tension in this area.

With bilateral joint efforts, Chinese and Philippine boats have left the waters off Huangyan Island peacefully. "China can take into consideration the possibility to resume tours to the Philippines and the import of Philippine fruits. This will send a signal to the world that the commercial and cultural exchanges have totally recovered," Jose Claveria de Venecia said.

The proposal "Putting aside disputes for jointly development" put forward by the deceased Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping corresponds to the current situation in South China Sea and is the unique way to resolve Huangyan Dispute, Jose Claveria de Venecia commented.

"All countries around the South China Sea urgently need hydrocarbons resources and it is rational to put aside disputes and seek for joint exploration, exploitation and a fair distribution of benefits," he added.

After the Huangyan Dispute was properly resolved, both sides can negotiate an efficient long-term plan. "I have always mentioned to my Chinese and Philippine friends the European model in the joint exploitation of oil and gas in the North Sea region as well as the Black Sea oil and gas development program which benefits the Eurasian continent and central Asia. I also valued the resource sharing agreement in the controversial waters around Australia and East Timor. All these examples are of great reference to the resolution of South China Sea dispute." Jose Claveria de Venecia said.

June 9, 2012 marks the beginning of the 11th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Jose Claveria de Venecia firmly believed that the good friendship between China and Philippines would finally overcome this temporary rift because the mutual understanding was originated from our common history.