Ambassador heralds new chapter in Philippines-China relations

NEWLY appointed ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines Huang Xilian made an assurance that all infrastructure collaborations between Manila and Beijing would see their completion.

At the local commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Macau’s return to China, which coincided with a Yuletide celebration for members of the local media, Huang declared: “My priority is to implement all projects agreed upon, with a purpose to synergize the ‘Belt and Road,’ as well as ‘Build, Build, Build’ [initiatives].”

The Chinese envoy said that, although both the Philippines and

China continue to deepen their partnerships for the aforementioned projects, he believes there would be more to come in the future.

As the two nations prepare to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, China’s former representative to the Asean revealed that his side is working closely with Filipino counterparts on engagements covering trade and culture, among many others.

Since arriving in early December 2019, the ambassador has had the opportunity to meet a number of senior government officials and Cabinet secretaries of the current administration. “I’ve discussed with them [the further implementation of the consensus reached] by our leaders, and the programs to be pursued next year.” (See related story, “New China envoy moving to fast-track infra projects,” in the BusinessMirror, December 30, 2019)

Huang admits that he is still in the process of learning more about his country of assignment, but is confident that all the efforts of the Chinese Embassy would bring about tangible results in the near future.

“Our two heads of state [Presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Xi Jinping] have so far met eight times and reached a lot of consensus on pragmatic cooperation. What we need to do now is to implement [them] to make sure that all projects agreed upon by the two leaders will be completed, so that they can bring tangible benefits to our peoples.”

Addressing the occasion’s guests of honor, who included Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin M. Andanar, as well as Presidential Spokesman and Chief Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo, Huang said three key words encapsulate the essence of celebrating the Philippines-China partnership: Appreciation, accomplishment and aspiration.

Excellent reportage

FIRST, the Chinese Embassy deemed it necessary to express its appreciation to the local press contingent for its excellent delivery of news and stories on the positive and progressive China-Philippines relations, as well as its close following of the developments concerning the Asian superpower.

“It is through you that our two peoples get to know each other better, understand each other better, and bond with each other closer,” the Chinese diplomat explained.

Further, the ambassador shared his gratitude to members of the local media for their consistent support to the ties that bind the Philippines and China, as well as the endeavors of the latter’s embassy in Manila.

“History tells us that two nations who appreciate each other could always…live together in amity and progress. Such is the story of China and the Philippines,” the emissary expounded.

Being new in his post, Huang looks forward to establish an affinity with local media professionals and personalities, with an aim to forge friendships and strengthen future cooperation.

Increasing investments

THE Chinese career diplomat also ticked off an impressive list of accomplishments between the two nations, saying that the Philippines is now the Asian giant’s top trading partner, a major source of imports, as well as the biggest market for exports. His country has become the second-largest tourist source and potentially, the largest foreign investment origin in the future.

“In the first 10 months [of last year], our bilateral-trade volume reached $49.8 billion, with a 7.2-percent year-on-year increase. In the first three quarters of 2019, more than 1.1 million tons of Philippine bananas were exported to China, bringing $493 million [worth] of income to the Filipino farmers,” Huang outlined.

China’s top envoy in the country disclosed that more than 40 major Chinese enterprises are currently investing in the Philippines, “directly or indirectly, generating 26,000 job opportunities for Filipinos.”