Today, Oct. 1 is the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, our giant neighbor in Asia and the Philippines' largest trading partner for the seventh straight year. When Chairman Mao Zedong defeated China's political enemies and established the nation under the aegis of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Oct. 1, 1949, the new leaders of China faced daunting problems of economic, security and diplomatic nature. Mao laid down the foundations of a new China on that fateful day from the Tiananmen Gate. Little did these first revolutionaries know that after just seven decades, China would be the world's second-biggest economy with 110 trillion RMB, and would play central roles on the global stage, championing peace, prosperity and international cooperation among nations. China today is in the cusp of major transformations, beginning with the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that jumpstarts the age of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.  China now is marching with greater vigor as the giant nation notches remarkable achievements in its development, guided by the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core. It is worthy to mention that the China National Day is so important that all Chinese celebrate it for a whole week, highlighted by cultural presentations and local events that celebrate the gains of Chinese society through the years. Ambassador Huang Xilian, the Chinese envoy to the Philippines, was pleased when he led the advanced virtual celebration on Sept. 26 of the 73rd foundation day, with Vice President Sara Duterte, when President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. was in the United States. Ambassador Huang noted that his country has eradicated extreme poverty and achieved the United Nations' poverty reduction target 10 years ahead of schedule.  Huang also said that the past decade saw his country accomplishing the first centennial goal of building a moderately prosperous society, by adhering to people-centered governance. Most notable in the Chinese embassy's celebration is Huang's reaffirmation of continuous Philippine-Chinese friendship and cooperation, saying these ties have reached “a new starting point” with the assumption into office of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. Ambassador Huang said Marcos and President Xi Jinping are poised to follow through on the blueprint of friendship and cooperation which was forged with former President Rodrigo Duterte, citing that such cooperation is the “common aspiration of our two peoples.”  He urged both nations to “cherish what we have achieved and stay committed to friendly cooperation to ensure that our friendship will last forever.” We note the official line of the Chinese embassy which is to emphasize open communication and consultation with strategic and long-term perspective, in order to “prevent our mutual cooperation from being overshadowed by trivia.” Over in Beijing, this mirrors the overall guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which now is fast becoming the world's newest thought on economic-political philosophy.