President Duterte has pushed for a "win-win cooperation" to advance the robust partnership between the Philippines and China towards peace and prosperity.
The President recognized the "deep" friendship between the two nations as the Philippines and China mark this year's 46th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and the 20th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.
“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," he said in a taped message during the virtual assembly of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. to mark the event Wednesday, June 9.
“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.
In a message released by the Palace late Wednesday, the President also cited the “enduring bond” between the two countries which he said “we value deeply.”
Over the past four decades, he said the Philippine-China ties have grown and deepened through concrete and purposive cooperation.
“In the face of the challenges of a global pandemic, China’s timely acts of solidarity and assistance have helped the Philippines take crucial steps towards healing and economic recovery,” he said.
He said Philippines-China economic ties remained “the dynamic force that will continue to drive our bilateral relations forward.” He also expressed confidence that his government’s Build Build Build program, together with the Belt and Road Initiative, will reap long-term benefits for both nations.
Duterte also thanked the Filipino-Chinese federation "for being a partner in promoting economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China."
There was no mention of the territorial spat in the President's message that aired during the federation's online program Wednesday.
Tension in the resource-rich South China Sea flared up again following the controversial Chinese incursions in the disputed territory. Manila has filed a flurry of protests over the unlawful stay of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Beijing however claimed that the fishing vessels were just taking refuge from rough seas.
The President has drawn criticisms from some groups for his alleged soft stance towards China despite their illegal presence in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte, in his recent remarks, made clear that the Philippines considered China a good friend and appreciated its donation of coronavirus vaccines but he would not compromise the country's claim in the West Philippine Sea.
READ: West PH Sea patrols will continue 'to assert what is ours' — Duterte
At the start of his term, Duterte forged closer economic and security ties with China, insisting the country could not afford to go to war with the military giant over the maritime dispute. The government instead opted to hold dialogue with China to manage the territorial conflict while trade, investment and other areas of cooperation have been explored and pursued.