Chinese consulate reaffirms stronger relations with Philippines

CEBU, Philippines —  The People’s Republic of China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines that will pave the way for more development here, Chinese Consul General Jia Li said Monday during the opening of the photo exhibit showcasing the cooperation between the two countries.

“China and the Philippines’ bilateral relations stand at a new starting point. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines to advance development on agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education and tourism,” the Consul General said.

Jai Li believes that China and the Philippines’ friendship will move to greater heights.

“I believe that through our common efforts, the friendship and cooperation between our two countries will move forward to greater heights,” added Jia Li.

As China celebrates its 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a photo exhibit of China-Philippines’ cooperative achievements is being mounted at SM City-Cebu by the Chinese Consulate General and Chinese Embassy in Manila.

“The Photo Exhibition shows you the wonderful moments of China and the Philippines’ mutually-beneficial relationship. Among the areas of cooperation are economy and trade, as well as pandemic and disaster-relief response, which manifest the strong and deep friendship between our two countries,” shared Jia Li.

Along with this, Jia Li noted that a good relationship between the two countries has produced excellent results, working hand in hand for the common development of both countries.

At the outbreak of the pandemic, China was the first country to provide vaccines to the Philippines while some of the sister cities and provinces donated a considerable number of face masks, protective clothing and other pandemic-related materials here and in other parts of the country.

After Typhoon Odette last year, China also donated 2.1 million kilograms of rice to the Visayas, benefiting about 400,000 families.

“China is the Philippines’ good neighbor, good partner, and good friend,” stressed the Consul General.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, though missing his trip to Manila due to Typhoon Karding, was happy to attend the opening of the photo exhibit and also expressed his thanks to all the help that the Chinese government has extended to the City of Cebu.

Rama took the time out to go around and check on the photos on display and was delighted to be seeing his picture and some other leaders here also on display, saying, it only shows China’s continuity in helping regardless of who is leading here.

Rama together with Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia and Councilors Joel Garganera and Joy Augustus Young also hope for more cooperation between the City and China.

Before the said event, the Consul General visited the Cebu City Hall and also discussed some areas of interest and concerns.

Interestingly, although the event was highlighted on the relationship between China and the Philippines, the Consul General of Korea, Song Sewon, and the Consul General of Japan, Yamaji Hideki, also came to attend the occasion and greeted the Consul General of China in the occasion of their 73rd founding anniversary.

Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cindi Chan and Marissa Fernan, vice president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., as well as some Chinese nationals and Filipino-Chinese groups and businessmen also came to check out the exhibit. — GMR (FREEMAN)