China’s ambassador to the Philippines has urged for a renewal of commitment to the two nations' diplomatic ties, calling on the country to work with China in advancing cooperation and promoting regional peace and stability.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said China-Philippines relations "have maintained a general trend of forward-moving, despite some ups and downs."
"History has also shown that as long as our differences are properly managed, the road of China-Philippines cooperation will be even broader,” Huang said at a reception celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in Taguig City on Thursday night.
“Let us renew the original commitment to our diplomatic ties, keep in mind the well-being of the two peoples, always remember the fundamental interests of our two countries, and work together to steer clear of disruptions."
Huang, in a separate interview, said Manila and Beijing should keep their eye on “bringing benefits” and serving the interests of the Filipino and Chinese people.
The statement comes after months of simmering tensions between the two states over a series of dangerous incidents in the West Philippine Sea, the most recent of which was the ramming of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel stationed in the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
Last August, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the United States and the Philippines of inciting “geopolitical confrontation” following the US deployment of Typhon, a mid-range capability missile system, in the country.
At that time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Manila should “avoid acting as the cat’s paw for the US at the expense of its own security interest” as he pushed for the immediate pullout of the missile launcher.
In a pre-recorded speech, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines will work with China in enhancing diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations, especially as the two states mark 50 years of bilateral ties in 2025.
“While the relations between Philippines and China’s relationship are not always smooth-sailing, we recognize the efforts and determination of both our countries to handle challenging issues through peaceful means, particularly through dialogue and diplomacy,” she said.
“We are committed to enriching our comprehensive strategic cooperation on the basis of mutual benefits and mutual respect as two equal sovereign states,” she added.
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte also sent a congratulatory message and echoed the need for closer Philippine-China collaboration, especially on tackling climate change, curbing terrorism and transnational crimes and possibly on artificial intelligence.
Duterte emphasized the importance of promoting regional peace and stability, and upholding of the international law.
"In an increasingly interconnected world, working together to promote peace and stability in our region is more important than ever, always grounded in international law," she said.
The Chinese reception was graced by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Senate President Francis Escudero and a number of dignitaries and envoys, including US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Australian Ambassador HK Yu. (PNA)
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