China celebrates 66th founding anniversary

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua hosted a reception to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Held at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La, the event was well attended with guests from the diplomatic corps, DFA officials led by Acting Secretary Rafael Seguis, politics that included Sen. Bongbong Marcos and former House Speaker Joe de Venecia as well as businessmen from various industries and sectors.

Since its formal founding in October 1949, the PRC has come a long way, establishing itself today as a global economic, political and military power. It has the world’s second largest economy in terms of nominal GDP, estimated by the International Monetary Fund at $10.380 trillion.

Although the Philippines and China are engaged in a territorial dispute, there is no doubt both countries welcome more cordial relations particularly in the area of trade and tourism. As of 2013, bilateral trade between the Philippines and China stood at $14.6 billion, while the total Chinese investments into the country as of 2010 is estimated at $125.41 million.

In fact, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua has been quite active in establishing friendlier relations between the two countries, citing the enormous growth of trade over the years, and remarking earlier that “we are destined to be friends and partners.”

If one could recall, our diplomatic relations with China began 40 years ago, a development that was made possible when the Philippines engaged in “basketball diplomacy” to jumpstart bilateral relations with our giant neighbor.

During the reception, the Chinese Ambassador and Acting Secretary Seguis shared a toast that commemorated the founding anniversary of China, with both gentlemen looking forward to more fresh and friendly relations ahead. Photos by Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz