Cultural exchanges make Philippines, China better friends: Philippine official

Cultural exchanges are important parts of improving bilateral relations between the Philippines and China, making the two countries better friends, Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque told the Xinhua News Agency on the sidelines of a Spring Festival gala on Sunday night that the event will help the peoples of China and the Philippines understand each other better.

“Cultural exchanges have always been important for bilateral relations. When we try to share our cultural experience and traditions, we get to understand each other better. When we understand each other better, we can be better friends,” said Roque.

“Currently, the Philippines and China are good friends, the two countries hope to not only expand political and economic relations, but our cultural relations as well.”

Roque also expressed his hopes that in the future the Philippines will send its artists to China and let Chinese people understand the Philippines better.

Roque described recent relations between the Philippines and China as “excellent.” He said he was confident that the friendship will bring mutual benefits to both countries and bring stability to the region.

Around 3,000 overseas Chinese and Filipinos in Manila attended the event, which included Peking Opera, classical dances, traditional instruments and Chinese songs.