Improved PH – China ties cited

The relations between China and the Philippines have entered a new era–a transformation that began when President Duterte visited Beijing in October last year.

This was pointed out by Chinese Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua in his speech at the reception celebrating the 68th Founding Anniversary of The People’s Republic of China held at a hotel in Makati City Tuesday night.

“In a short span of less than one year, our bilateral cooperation in various fields has yielded rich outcomes,” Ambassador Zhao said.

The top Chinese diplomat in Manila, said that lately there has been an increasing high-level exchanges between the two countries.

In November, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to pay an official visit to the Philippines which will be the first visit by a Chinese Premier in a decade.

There has also been a comprehensive revival of bilateral mechanisms, he pointed out.

Aside from bilateral consultations on foreign affairs, consular affairs, defense and security affairs, Zhao said China and the Philippines were able to establish two new mechanisms on maritime cooperation, namely the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on South China Sea issue and the Joint Coast Guard Committee, “both contributing to our common efforts to properly handle maritime issues and preserve peace and stability in our region.”

In addition, he said both sides have garnered gratifying scores in trade and investment.