Bongbong Marcos: PH-China friendship to continue for benefit of people

MANILA, Philippines — The centuries-old friendship of the Philippines and China will continue to be of mutual benefit for the people of the two nations, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

Marcos Jr. made the remark during an event organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. to celebrate Philippine Independence Day and Philippines-China Friendship Day.

“The centuries-old relationship and friendship of the Philippines and China has been and will continue to be of great mutual benefit to our people,” Marcos Jr. said in a recorded video message.

“From trade, arts, culture, and athletics to regional peace and stability to the employment of opportunities for our people, and all the significantly generous efforts extended to us during the pandemic, the cooperative partnership of our two nations continues to reach new heights,” he added.

Marcos Jr. said he is looking forward to more years “not only of diplomatic relations but of continuous, fruitful engagements between China and the Philippines,” saying the two nations should continue to “enjoy the friendship that we developed over the years.”

Meanwhile, Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio said she is looking forward to the “mutual and continued prosperity” between the two countries through ongoing programs.

“It is evident that the enduring kinship between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China has led to the success of various endeavors across all industries that contributed to our growing economy over the years, especially during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Duterte-Carpio said in a letter presented during the event.

“With the marking of these important events, it is only apt to express our utmost gratitude to everyone who continues to play their respective roles in the preservation of our independence along with the promotion of the ongoing Philippines-China diplomatic relations,” she added.

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