PH-China ‘win-win’ cooperation promotes greater peace: Duterte

MANILA – The “win-win” cooperation between the Philippines and China helps maintain “greater peace, progress, and prosperity,” President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday.

In a taped video message, Duterte said the celebration of the 46th anniversary of Philippine-China Relations and the 20th Anniversary of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day signifies the “deep and abiding” ties between the two nations.

“Today’s celebration reminds us of the deep and abiding friendship between the Filipino-Chinese peoples. It is a bond that predates by centuries, the formal establishment of diplomatic relations 46 years ago,” Duterte said during the event organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc (FFCCCII).

The Philippines and China established their diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975.

June 9 of every year is also declared as Filipino-Friendship Day, by virtue of Proclamation 148 issued by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2002.

Duterte expressed confidence that the improved ties between Manila and Beijing would bear fruit.

“As we approach the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China ties, win-win cooperation will ensure that our relations remain a partnership for greater peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.

He also thanked the FFCCCII for being a partner in “promoting economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China.”

“I am pleased to join the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in celebrating the 46th Anniversary of the Philippine-China Relations and the 20th Anniversary of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day,” Duterte said. “Congratulations and may you have a happy and meaningful celebration.”

The bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China has reached unprecedented levels in terms of political cooperation, security and regional cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The two nations’ close cooperation in regional and international issues has also helped maintain stability and economic development of the region.