Envoy hopes deeper PH-China ties after foreign minister’s visit

FILE PHOTO: Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian expressed hope on Wednesday that the ties between the Philippines and China would further strengthen after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the country.

Wang, who arrived in the Philippines Tuesday evening, paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace. He is the first foreign top diplomat to be received by the current administration.

“The Foreign Minister’s meetings reinforced the communication between President Xi Jinping and President Marcos last May and continued on the fruits of Vice President Wang Qishan’s visit,” Huang posted on social media site Facebook.

READ: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi arrives in PH

READ: Bongbong Marcos meets China’s top envoy

“I hope the visit deepens China-Philippines relations and fortifies our practical cooperation in many avenues, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan,” he added.

READ: ADB urges caution on China’s ‘Belt and Road’ scheme

Aside from strengthened bilateral ties, Huang is likewise anticipating “new avenues of cooperation, and more productive results with the visit” under the new administration which ushers in a “new era of China-Philippine friendship.”

Apart from the newly installed president, Wang also met with Vice President Sara Duterte, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, and National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos.

READ: DFA’s Manalo meets with Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi

KGA