Arroyo meets with China’s national legislature to strengthen ties

Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Ji Bingxuan pays a courtesy call on Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Photo Courtesy of the Speaker’s Office/PNA)

MANILA — Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday met with ranking members of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s parliament, at the House of Representatives in Quezon City to forge closer ties between the two countries.

Vice Chairman of NPC’s Standing Committee Ji Bingxuan and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Arroyo before holding talks to strengthen bilateral ties.

Other ranking members of the delegation are Vice Chairman of NPC Agriculture and Rural Committee Liao Xiajun, Vice Chairman of the NPC Constitution and Law Commitee Cong Bin, and Vice Chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Commitee Lu Peijun.

Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap represented the Speaker during the meeting, wherein they discussed further strengthening relations between China and the Philippines particularly in the fields of agriculture, trade, infrastructure, education, and culture and the arts.

Chinese flags were raised side-by-side with Philippine flags in front of the House of Representatives building to welcome the foreign delegation.

Inter-parliamentary Relations and Special Affairs Bureau Director Edith Cardenas said it is normal for the Philippine government to “accord honor to high-ranking foreign dignitaries” like the vice chairman of China’s NPC.

Cardenas said Philippine government officials also “receive similar treatment” when they visit foreign countries.

Cardenas said this was not the first time a foreign flag was displayed at the lower chamber’s building.