Chinese envoy says stint in Phl not always ‘rosy’

MANILA, Philippines - Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing said her stint in the country has not always been “rosy,” and that bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have been “bumpy” with twists and turns due to a territorial dispute.

Speaking at a farewell reception at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati Thursday night, Ma said she came to the Philippines full of enthusiasm, although with little knowledge of the country, but that the last two years have taught her a lot.

“All sorts of feelings well up in my heart,” she said. “However, my time in the Philippines has not always been rosy. Our bilateral relations have been bumpy with twists and turns because of the reasons known to all.” 

Ma said said her last two years have been the most challenging as they were exciting and rewarding that have enriched her experiences and made her diplomatic career more colorful.

“While tackling the difficult issues, I have tried to reach out and communicate in every possible way, in an aim of protecting our relations from being further damaged,” she said.

“There are so many memories, good and mixed, all of which I cherish very much.”

Ma said despite the territorial dispute, a steady increase in bilateral trade and investment,   growth in two-way tourism and an active people-to-people exchange have taken place.

Highlights were a trip of former basketball star Yao Ming to Manila and an interchange between think tanks, she added.

Ma said economic necessity also gave impetus to Philippines-China relations, with the region experiencing an unprecedented dynamic economic growth.

“We should work together to seize the rare opportunities to benefit our countries and our people,” she said.

“We hope to work with the Philippine side, to engage in consultations, build on mutual trust, properly handle the dispute, and promote the sound and steady development of our bilateral relations.”

Ma said China’s economy is undergoing transformation and upgrading to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive development, while the economic development in the Philippines is on the upswing.

As China’s top diplomat in the country, she has accomplished something, although more unfinished tasks and open questions remain, she added.

Ma called for more and harder joint efforts.

“I look forward to the day when our two countries can disperse the flowing clouds over our heads and deliver a brighter and flourishing future for China-Philippines relations. I hope this day will come sooner than later,” she said.

Ma is ending her tour of duty as China’s top diplomat in the country this month after almost two years.   

Last January, the Philippines initiated arbitral proceedings on the territorial dispute but China has refused to participate.

China’s stance on the international arbitration   challenging its excessive claims in the South China Sea will not change as it continued to reject participation in the proceedings.