Marcos eyes stronger PH-China ties, seeks public support
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called for the public's support as he eyed a stronger bilateral relationship between the Philippines and China.
*Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Marcos (File photo)*
Marcos said this as the two countries marked the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 22nd Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on June 9. In a Facebook post on Friday evening, the President said he was looking forward to a stronger relationship between the two countries, particularly in vital cooperation areas, which will be possible with the people's support. "As we turn our gaze towards the future, I look forward to the continued strengthening of Philippines-China bilateral relations, especially in the important cooperation areas: tourism, agriculture, trade and investment, and infrastructure," he wrote. "In realizing these objectives, the strengthened friendship, support, and cooperation of both countries' peoples are invaluable," he added. Marcos said he was honored to witness the continued friendship between the Philippines and China as both countries move forward "in the spirit of mutual cooperation and mutual respect," which he said was palpable when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping during his State Visit to China in January this year. In a speech on Thursday, President Marcos said the Philippines would continue to work with China to ensure regional peace and stability, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. He added that despite the thorny issues between the two nations, their relationship would not be defined by the differences but by common areas of interest, beliefs, and cultural similarities. "It is a continuing search to find solutions to the challenges that we face jointly with China. Now, of course, as to the differences between China and the Philippines, certainly they exist, but it is not something that will define our relationship," he said. In terms of strengthening the relationship between the two neighboring nations, Marcos said the process began after he met with Xi in January, where they developed strategies for better communication and understanding about fishing grounds.
*Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Marcos (File photo)*
Marcos said this as the two countries marked the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 22nd Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on June 9. In a Facebook post on Friday evening, the President said he was looking forward to a stronger relationship between the two countries, particularly in vital cooperation areas, which will be possible with the people's support. "As we turn our gaze towards the future, I look forward to the continued strengthening of Philippines-China bilateral relations, especially in the important cooperation areas: tourism, agriculture, trade and investment, and infrastructure," he wrote. "In realizing these objectives, the strengthened friendship, support, and cooperation of both countries' peoples are invaluable," he added. Marcos said he was honored to witness the continued friendship between the Philippines and China as both countries move forward "in the spirit of mutual cooperation and mutual respect," which he said was palpable when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping during his State Visit to China in January this year. In a speech on Thursday, President Marcos said the Philippines would continue to work with China to ensure regional peace and stability, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. He added that despite the thorny issues between the two nations, their relationship would not be defined by the differences but by common areas of interest, beliefs, and cultural similarities. "It is a continuing search to find solutions to the challenges that we face jointly with China. Now, of course, as to the differences between China and the Philippines, certainly they exist, but it is not something that will define our relationship," he said. In terms of strengthening the relationship between the two neighboring nations, Marcos said the process began after he met with Xi in January, where they developed strategies for better communication and understanding about fishing grounds.