Chinese FM bats for closer education cooperation with PH

The proposal was made during the recent meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who also chairs the Department of Education. (Photo: Philippine News Agency/Facebook)

MANILA – The Chinese government has sought to strengthen its “educational cooperation” with the Philippines to enhance the Filipino youth’s understanding of China.

The proposal was made during the recent meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who also chairs the Department of Education.

In a statement Thursday night, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Duterte “fully agrees” with the proposals and looked forward to the prospects of the two nations’ cooperation.

“Wang Yi said education comes first in national development. China is ready to deepen educational cooperation with the Philippines to enhance the understanding and cognition of China among the younger generation of the Philippines, cement the foundation of public support for friendship between the two countries and provide intellectual support for bilateral practical cooperation,” the ministry said.

“China supports more Philippine young people to study in China and will facilitate the return of the Philippine students to China for their studies,” it added.

Beijing is ready to increase engagement in vocational education and language training, and help Manila improve its teaching facilities as well as “modernize its teaching”.

Wang and Duterte met last June 6 during the Chinese official’s two-day visit to the Philippines.

Wang congratulated her on her election as vice president and conveyed “cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping” to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Wang Yi said over the past six years, under the care and guidance of President Xi Jinping and former President Duterte, China-Philippines relations have achieved turnarounds, consolidation, and upgrading,” the MOFA said.

“China appreciates the Philippines for upholding the spirit of independence, safeguarding national dignity and speeding up national development. China is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation in the four key areas of agriculture, infrastructure, energy and culture based on the policy priorities of the new Philippine administration,” it added.