Vice President Sara Duterte underscored the importance of cooperation between China and the Philippines as they face “common challenges” and work to improve the welfare of their citizens.

The official delivered a video message during the 76th Founding Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Thursday, Sept. 25, in Taguig City.

As close neighbors and long-standing partners, the Philippines and China “continue to build on a relationship anchored in mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a shared commitment to peace, stability, and development in our region,” she said.

“In today's interconnected world, our cooperation, firmly anchored in international law, remains essential in addressing common challenges and advancing the well-being of our peoples,” the official added.

She described the occasion of China’s founding anniversary as one that marks “a remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and transformation.”

She also acknowledged that this “positioned China as a key contributor to global progress.”

Duterte, who was unable to attend the event personally, extended her “sincere appreciation” to Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian, who is now the longest serving Chinese envoy to the Philippines.

“His steadfast efforts to deepen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding have left a lasting legacy,” she said.

In his speech, Huang cited the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year and acknowledged the present challenges.

“The friendship between China and the Philippines spans more than a thousand years. The challenges we face today are but passing moments in the long course of history,” he said.

“I am therefore confident that, through the continued efforts of people of vision, we will overcome the difficulties before us and bring our relations back onto the right track of sound and steady development,” he added.

In a Facebook post, Huang said he hoped the China-Philippines relations will "get back to a sound and healthy track soon."