CEBU CITY -- China is ready to strengthen its bilateral relations with the Philippines, the Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Cebu assured.
Jia Li gave the assurance during the celebration of the 73rd founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Monday, Sept. 16, at SM City-Cebu.
Li said China and the Philippines’ bilateral relations ‘stand at a new starting point.’
“China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines to advance development on agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education and tourism,” said Li in his speech during the event.
“I believe that through our common efforts, the friendship and cooperation between our two countries will move forward to greater heights,” added Li.
Among those who graced the event were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Mandaue City Vice Glenn Bercide, Consul General of Korea Song Sewon, Consul General of Japan Yamaji Hideki and Marissa Fernan, Vice President of SM Prime Holdings.
Li said that China and the Philippines have maintained a good relationship.
China was also quick to help the Philippines when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“At the outbreak of the pandemic, China was the first country to provide vaccines to the Philippines. China’s sister provinces and cities also donated a considerable number of face masks, protective clothing and other pandemic-related materials,” Li said.
China also donated 2.1 million kilos of rice when typhoon “Odette” battered the Philippines last year.
The rice donation benefited about 400,000 families, Li said.
“China is the Philippines’ good neighbor, good partner, and good friend,” Li said.
The event also featured a photo exhibit on China-Philippine cooperative achievements.