Jinping

Xi: PH a priority

May 19, 2022 Cristina Lee-Pisco 267 views

THE Philippines is among the countries being given priority by China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a telephone call on Wednesday with presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized that China always gives priority to the Philippines in its neighborhood diplomacy and maintains continuity and stability in its friendly policy toward the Philippines.

In the past six years, Xi noted that China and the Philippines have adhered to the good-neighborly friendship, worked together for common development and established a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship.

He stressed that China will, as always, provide active support and assistance to the Philippines in its economic and social development.

Noting that both China and the Philippines are developing countries in Asia, Xi said the two countries’ development is rooted in a good-neighborly and friendly surroundings and also in an Asian family featuring win-win cooperation.

The two sides have effectively managed their differences though dialogues and consultations, actively promoted practical cooperation in various fields, and achieved fruitful results in their bilateral relations, the Chinese President said adding that facts have proved that the China-Philippines friendship is in line with the common aspirations of the people of the two countries, and cooperation between the two sides serves their common interests.

China said it is ready to step up exchanges of governance experience with the Philippines, expand and strengthen existing cooperation with a focus on national economy and people’s welfare in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture, energy and education, as well as the anti-COVID-19 fight and post-pandemic recovery, foster new growth areas and promote development and revitalization of the two countries and the region at large, he said.

Xi said China will provide active support and assistance to the Philippines in its economic and social development.

The Chinese President stressed that the changes of the world, the times and history have been unprecedented, with peace and security facing new challenges.

Xi expressed hope that the Philippines will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy.

He said the Chinese side stands ready to work with the Philippines to strengthen strategic communication and coordination over major international and regional issues, and safeguard the sound momentum of peace and development in the region.

For his part, Marcos said that the Philippine people regard China as one of their most important partners.

The new Philippine government will take Philippines-China relations as a foreign policy priority, and is ready to strengthen exchanges at various levels and deepen cooperation with China in economy, trade, infrastructure, energy, culture and education, Marcos said.

Marcos expressed his full expectations for better and stronger development of bilateral relations in the future, adding that he is ready to work with the Chinese side to inject new and strong impetus into the development of bilateral ties. By Cristina Lee-Pisco

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