To foster better understanding and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines invited the group for an 11-day tour in China from June 27 to July 7.
Since China and the Philippines are “close neighbors,” it is more “convenient” for both countries when it comes to leveling up trading and investment goals, said China Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Sun Weidong.
In Shanghai, the sister city of Metro Manila, Municipal Government Director General of Foreign Affairs Office Bei Zhaojian expressed hope that the two countries will continue to deepen their relationship.
The officials of the MFA who accompanied the Philippine delegation during the entire trip, said that the visit was a “journey of friendship."
A journey of understanding: China officials welcome PH group
(Part Two)
At a glance
China and the Philippines are “close neighbors” separated by a “strip of water” – said China Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Sun Weidong to welcome 15 officials and journalists from the Philippines to experience the culture and learn about the rapid technological advances of one of the world’s biggest economies.
To foster better understanding and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines invited the group for an 11-day tour in China from June 27 to July 7.
As the first Philippine media group the ministry welcomed after the three-year pandemic, the delegation’s itinerary was well-planned to show the many facets of China and to make it truly a “journey of understanding.”
During the 11-day trip, the group visited two municipalities, Beijing and Shanghai, and two provinces, Shaanxi and Hunan.
Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Sun Weidong
Sun said that while China is “changing rapidly,” the country remains “very confident for the future.” He said China’s progress would be beneficial not only to the global economy but to its neighbors.
Since China and the Philippines are “close neighbors,” it is more “convenient” for both countries when it comes to leveling up trading and investment goals, he said.
As both countries have huge populations, Sun said that China and the Philippines face the task of “developing ourselves and delivering a better lives to our peoples.”
Sun also expressed hope that the “young and energetic” Filipino people are also “working for an even brighter future for the Philippines.”
The group was formally welcomed by the high-ranking Chinese officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Beijing.
Sun also hosted a banquet where he shared some of his thoughts on various topics such as history, and current events.
The mild-mannered, soft-spoken official explained how the Philippines and China are both similar and different in many ways. For instance, he noted how both countries endured oppression under foreign invaders which made their people stronger.
Hearing his thoughts on many issues made me realize that China, despite, being a potential “superpower,” is just like any other country that wants nothing but the best for its people and its future generations.
In the other cities where the Philippine delegation visited, Chinese officials rolled out a warm welcome, displaying hospitality through a banquet, conversation, and tours that showed off China’s history in ways that would give a deeper understanding of their culture.
CPC standing committee member Sun Daguang
In Shaanxi, Sun Daguang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shaanxi Provincial Committee, said that China has a “long-standing friendship and relationship” with the Philippines.
He also expressed hope that through the media delegation trip, “we can show to the world the real China.”
During the banquet he hosted, Sun shared the latest initiatives in the province and expressed openness for future cooperation with the Philippine government.
We also had an opportunity to meet with other officials in the province who warmly welcomed us during our visit.
Hunan Vice Mayor Gao Wenqi
In Hunan, Changsha Vice Mayor Gao Wenqi urged the Philippine government to “explore” the possibility of opening a consulate general in Changsha noting that this be helpful in the bilateral trade between the countries.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Gao said there was a direct flight from the Philippines to the province. During our meeting, he raised the possibility of resuming the flight so more Filipinos can visit the attractions in the province.
Municipal Government Director General of Foreign Affairs Office Bei Zhaojian
In Shanghai, which is also the sister city of Metro Manila, Municipal Government Director General of Foreign Affairs Office Bei Zhaojian expressed hope that the two countries will continue to deepen their relationship.
“There is a very good relationship between China and the Philippines as well as between Shanghai and the Philippines and really looking forward for you to see the real Shanghai during your visit this time,” he added.
Bei, during the banquet he hosted for the group at the Jin Jiang Tower, shared that Filipinos are recognized in many establishments in Shanghai because of their talent in music, especially in singing.
He expressed hope that there will be more partnerships between Shanghai and the Philippines in the future.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement
Officials of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China and the Philippines are at the key stage of development. Cooperation is the mainstream. Both sides have great potential and complement each other.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in a statement, also reiterated China’s willingness to work with the Philippines to “promote and sustain cooperation for future achievements.”
To allow the Philippine delegation to exchange views, explore future possibilities of cooperation, and establish a comprehensive view of China, the officials representing the Chinese Foreign Ministry and local officials had prepared well for the trip.
Journey of friendship, understanding, cooperation
The officials of the ministry, who accompanied the Philippine delegation during the entire trip, said that the visit was a “journey of friendship. They also wished to show their “sincerity and friendliness” towards the Philippine government and people through this visit.
“It is a journey of understanding, which allows the journalists to see and feel a true and dynamic China with their own eyes,” the MFA said.
“This is also a journey for cooperation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry added, hoping that the visits to China’s urban, suburban areas and companies will “inspire new possibilities for cooperation.”
Foreign Affairs Information Counsellor Zhou Li
In an interview while we were touring the Forbidden City in Beijing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department Counsellor Zhou Li explained that China has been giving great importance to various fields including education, science and technology, and environmental protection.
“In all these fields, I think that China shares mutual interests and has great convergence of interests in all these fields and we can have great potential for cooperation,” Zhou said. “I think it’s a very good opportunity for us to explore in these areas,” she added. (Photos by Merlina Hernando-Malipot)
RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/3/11-days-in-china-stepping-back-in-time-and-viewing-the-future
PART THREE