Top Filipino dignitaries led by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were among the attendees at the virtual celebration of the 72nd year anniversary of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, who hosted the event, thanked his guests from the Philippine government as well as his friends from the Filipino and Chinese communities for gracing the occasion.
Aside from Macapagal-Arroyo, among those who were in the virtual event were Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“The past 72 years represent the strength of the Chinese government and the unrelenting efforts of the Chinese people that led to the current developments and modernity that the country enjoys. This Founding Anniversary is significant since this year saw the CPC centenary, China's elimination of absolute poverty, and the country's active role in global governance and solidarity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Huang said in his remarks.
China is one of the top providers of COVID-19 vaccines to the country and was the first country to deliver the jabs that enabled the Philippines to roll out its vaccination program last March 1.
And above all China’s successes in the span of seven decades, Huang noted that cherished friendships with other countries including the Philippines, and the lasting peace have been the center of China's foreign policy through the years.
“Looking back, our relations also saw great results this year in many aspects, from health, infrastructure, trade, and diplomacy. Our close ties with many nations, including the Philippines, have forged ahead along the path of peaceful development and positively contributed to building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.
He assured that the many milestones reached by China in the past 72 years will open new chapters of national progress and rejuvenation “as we continue realizing China's goals for the country and its people”.
“And as we tread on the journey to more successes, may it happen hand-in-hand with a prosperous and ever-lasting China-Philippine friendship!” the top Chinese diplomat in Manila said.