Philippines-China relations now on its "golden era"

APD NEWS

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By APD Writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, Sept. 27 (APD)

– Chinese Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua said the relations between China and the Philippines has reached its “Golden Era” as he called on Filipinos and Chinese cherish the time and seize golden opportunities for more splendid years which will thrive, reward and endure.

Speaking before the members of the diplomatic corps last night, Filipino officials and the Filipino-Chinese community at the 68th Founding Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China at the Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La, Ambassador Zhao said in over 5000 years of Chinese civilization, the past 68 years were very brief which he went on to describe as “extraordinary and unprecedented years for the Chinese nation.”

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua says China-Philippines relations reached its "Golden Era."

Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Linglingay F. Lacanlale (centre) and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.

“Since President Duterte’s successful state visit to China last October, China-Philippines relations have entered into a new era,” Ambassador Zhao said, he added in less than a year, bilateral cooperation in various areas yielded “rich outcomes.”

The remarkable relations resulted into the increasing high-level exchanges with President Duterte attending the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last May with China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang visiting the Philippines last March.

He added Premier Li Keqiang is expected to pay an official visit to the Philippines this November.

“There have been more frequent exchanges of visits at ministerial and senior-official levels including foreign affairs, national defense, commerce, investments, agriculture, information and tourism,” he added. Legislative leaders including Senate President Aquilino Q. Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez made successful visits to China.

He said comprehensive revival of bilateral mechanisms have been realized along with gratifying scores in trade and investment.

“China is now the largest trading partner, largest import market and fourth largest export destination of the Philippines,” he explained.

Citing China’s statistics, Ambassador Zhao said the bilateral trade has reached US$ 27.86 billion for 2017’s seven months achieving at 7.6% increase year-on-year.

China’s foreign direct investments to the Philippines reached US$ 35 million in 2016 with a notable increase of 47% on a yearly basis.

Ambassador Zhao said China’s FDI this year registered US$ 20 million for the first seven months.

He added China’s strongly committed to the Philippines’ infrastructure development to synergize with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the “Build, Build, Build” initiative of President Duterte.

He also cited the “substantive progress” in China-Philippines anti-narcotics operations because China fully understands and firmly supports the Philippines’ campaign against illicit drugs.

He said his government has already provided some P 436 million in equipment which include drug detecting and testing equipment.

Both the Philippines and China will cooperate in campaigns against drug trafficking. Two drug rehabilitation facilities will also be launched in Mindanao this November.

Ambassador Zhao added China provided hybrid rice seeds for Filipino farmers affected by past typhoons. Some P 100 million was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for direct assistance to poor victims of weather aberrations.

An increase of 33.4% in tourist arrivals from China has been noted this year. He said China has the strong potential to become the largest tourist source for Philippine tourist spots.

Ambassador Zhao said China supports the Philippines’ rotating chairmanship of ASEAN as he reiterated China’s role in building the ASEAN Community and speed up mutually beneficial cooperation with the Philippines.

He said he expects more fruitful results for both China-ASEAN cooperation and East Asia cooperation when Premier Li Keqiang comes to Manila for the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)