Chinese Foreign Minister Expresses Support to Philippines in Fight on Terrorism

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his support to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in their fight against terrorism, stressing Beijing’s readiness to assist the Philippines in recovery works once the conflict is over, a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — "We must express support to President Duterte, support the Philippines and the people of the country to beat terrorism as soon as possible. Then the people of [the city of] Marawi and [the island of] Mindanao will be able to begin peaceful life," Wang said, as quoted in the statement, adding that China is ready to "actively participate in post-war reconstruction of the Marawi area."

The minister also stressed the need to make such supportive statements from large international platforms, such as the ASEAN forum in Manila.

In May, Duterte declared martial law on the southern island of Mindanao after the Maute jihadist group, affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist organization (IS, banned in Russia), attempted to storm Marawi. On July 22, Philippine lawmakers approved an extension of martial law in the southern Mindanao region until December 31, 2017.