The Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) honored three individuals whose work has contributed to dialogue, cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China during the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) held at The Manila Hotel on June 3.

This year’s awardees were former National Security Adviser Clarita Reyes Carlos, businessman Peter Leung Ng, and agronomist Prof. Zhang Zhaodong. Their contributions span policy and strategic studies, business and civic engagement, and agricultural development.

Organized by APCU in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the annual awards recognize individuals who have played significant roles in fostering understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian’s successor, Ambassador Jing Quan, who recently assumed his post in Manila, used the occasion to emphasize the importance of maintaining dialogue and strengthening ties between Filipinos and Chinese despite differences and challenges.

“Stable relations mean tangible benefits to our two peoples as more mutual trust can deepen friendship and eventually create more positive momentum,” the ambassador said.

Drawing from his visits to communities across the Philippines, he pointed to practical examples of cooperation already taking place on the ground. He recalled meeting farmers in Baguio who had adopted agricultural techniques learned in China, describing the experience as evidence that bilateral cooperation is often felt most directly at the community level.

“That is a typical example of how we can work together,” he said.

The ambassador also reflected on the long history of relations between the two countries, noting that formal diplomatic ties established in 1975 built upon centuries of interaction through trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

For APCU Chairman Raul Lambino, the awardees represent individuals who continue to promote engagement at a time when regional and global challenges make dialogue increasingly important.

Founded in 2021, the APPCU recognizes Filipinos and select foreign nationals whose work advances mutual understanding in fields ranging from diplomacy and business to science, education, and culture.

This year’s honorees reflected the diverse ways such engagement takes place. Carlos has long been involved in strategic and security discussions, Ng has contributed to civic and business initiatives that strengthen cultural connections, while Zhang’s agricultural work has supported productivity and food security initiatives benefiting Filipino farmers.

The ceremony also included the induction of new APCU officers and cultural performances attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and representatives of the Filipino-Chinese community.

As discussions surrounding Philippines-China relations continue to evolve, the awards served as a reminder that beyond official negotiations and policy debates, engagement between peoples, institutions, and communities remains an important part of the bilateral relationship.