Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent President Duterte a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines and the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence.
“I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, warm congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you to the government and people of the Philippines,” President Xi said in a June 9, 2021 letter to Duterte, a copy of which was posted on the official social media account of the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
As friendly neighbors with time-honored friendship, the Chinese leader noted that in recent years, the China-Philippines relations have maintained “healthy and stable development”, bringing tangible benefits to our two peoples.
He said the two sides have helped each other during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak to overcome the adversity and elevating further the friendship between the two peoples.
“I attach great significance to the development of China-Philippines relations, and stand ready to work with you in guiding our bilateral relations to move forward in a sustained and steady manner, so as to achieve greater win-win results and mutual benefits,” he said.
In Manila, Duterte also sent President Xi a message of congratulations on the dual celebration of the 46th anniversary of the Philippines-China bilateral ties and the 20th Filipino Chinese Friendship Day.
In a message he read before the virtual gathering of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, June 9, the President recognized China’s “timely” acts of solidarity and assistance to the Philippines during the pandemic.
“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.
Since he assumed office in 2016, Duterte has developed a close relationship with President Xi whom he had met face-to-face eight times.