Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo stated on the 7th that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and particularly during the ten years of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration, the relationship between the Philippines and China has seen significant development, with cooperation deepening across various fields.
Romulo made these remarks at a reception held that evening at the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines. He noted that although the Republic of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations in 1975, the friendship and blood ties between the two peoples have existed for many centuries. It is a matter of pride for Filipinos that many prominent figures in the Philippines are of Chinese descent, such as national hero José Rizal and the first female president, Corazon Aquino. Beyond these well-known individuals, ordinary Filipino-Chinese citizens have also consistently contributed to Philippine society.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao stated in his address at the reception that for the past 35 years, productive and constructive regular meetings between high-level leaders of both countries have been vital to driving the sustained development of bilateral relations. In 2005, President Hu Jintao and President Arroyo jointly established the guiding principles for a strategic cooperative relationship dedicated to peace and development. He emphasized that the economic and trade development between the two nations has propelled the growth of their bilateral relationship.
Liu Jianchao noted that in the early years of diplomatic relations, non-governmental exchanges between China and the Philippines were limited, whereas today, exchanges between the two peoples have expanded into all areas: the two countries have established 25 pairs of sister provinces and cities, bringing the peoples of both nations closer together, while the establishment of three Confucius Institutes has enabled an increasing number of Filipinos to learn to appreciate Chinese culture.
Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, foreign diplomats in the Philippines, local overseas Chinese, and representatives from Chinese-funded enterprises, among hundreds of others, attended the reception.
