​China and the Philippines' diplomatic relations continue to be in good standing despite several differences, thanks to a man who is among the key players in steering the two nations' ties —Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

A seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of related experience, Huang arrived in the Philippines in December 2019 after his predecessor, Zhao Jianhua, ended his tour of duty in the country in October.

Huang instantly felt "back home" in the Philippines.

When he was arrived here, Huang, 55, already amassed a wealth of experience from working for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is headed by Wang Yi. Wang considers him as one of his trusted diplomats.

Huang was also tagged as an "ASEAN man" after his successful stimt as China's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, a post that gave him full authority to represent the Chinese government in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Indonesia.

Economy and trade were among the aspects of focus that he developed with the regional bloc during his time.

In his three decades as a diplomat, Huang was also posted in Brunei, India, US and Pakistan, where he served various roles, including third secretary, second secretary, deputy director, and political counsellor.

"The best is yet to come," said Huang of Manila-Beijing relations upon his arrival in the Philippines.

"It is a great honor to be designated as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines. I feel back at home the moment I set foot in the Philippines."

Growing up, the envoy said his relatives "have kept telling me that the Philippines which faces China across the sea is our relative with close kinship and cultural bond".

"Therefore, the natural affinity with the Philippines has grown in my heart," added Huang, who received his Bachelor's Degree from the Beijing Foreign Studies University and his Master's Degree with distinction from the University of Manchester.

Despite different views on the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, the relations between China and the Philippines remain unaffected and are even being strengthened, with new agreements including in the realm of agriculture.

"The best way to settle disputes between neighbors is through patient and cordial dialog to find a win-win solution," Huang recently said as he expressed his two cents on the maritime controversy.

"Without interference from outside, neighbors can get along with each other well and handle differences properly, simply because they know that quarrels and fights lead nowhere and they can't be moved away from each other," he added.

As the People's Republic of China celebrates its 73rd founding anniversary, Huang believes his country's friendship with other countries, particularly the Philippines, must be preserved.

"We should cherish what we have achieved, stay committed to friendly cooperation to ensure that our friendship will last forever," he said.