China and the Philippines have "better reasons to work closely" amid global uncertainties and with the latter's shift to a new administration, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said.

During the celebration of Philippines-China Friendship Day on Wednesday, June 8, Huang urged both nations to join hands in carrying on with their friendly relations, which was revitalized under President Rodrigo Duterte's watch, in the next administration.

"The international and regional situations are undergoing fast, profound and complex changes, and the world is entering yet another period of turbulence and transformation," the Chinese ambassador said in his speech.

"China and the Philippines are close neighbors with a shared future and common stakes in Asia. Facing the global uncertainties, the two countries have better reasons to work closely to jointly tackle challenges, focus on peace and development, and strive to boost win-win cooperation," he added.

Huang underscored that the two countries are at a "critical stage" of development, adding that the bilateral relations face "important opportunities and broad prospects."

He reiterated Chinese President Xi Jinping's hopes that the two sides should "carry forward the friendship, grasp the general trend so as to usher in an even brighter future for the bilateral ties."

This was seconded by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he expressed his hope that the Philippine-China relations would shift to higher gear and inject new strong momentum into the development of bilateral relations.

In his speech, the Chinese diplomat also expressed belief that with the "significant new achievements" during Duterte's term, the Philippines under the new leadership "would move towards a more prosperous future in the years to come."

"China and the Philippines are close neighbors facing each other across the waters and partners through thick and thin. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 47 years ago, China-Philippines relations have come a long way, thanks to the guidance of successive leaders and joint efforts of peoples on both sides," Huang said.

He highlighted that under Duterte's term, the two nations have realized an "upturn and scored further consolidation and uplift."

He cited the outcomes of the countries' bilateral ties in the past six years that resulted in several areas of cooperation such as implementing infrastructure projects and sharing of assistance at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The China-Philippines friendship has brought tangible benefits to both peoples and would shine brighter in the tempering of time," Huang said.

The virtual event, which was also in celebration of Philippine Independence Day, was organized by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

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