‘The way forward’ is to strengthen PH-China relations, Marcos tells Li

The national flags of the Philippines and China are seen together near the Tiananmen Gate as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visits, in Beijing on January 3, 2023. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines –President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.on Wednesday told Chinese Premier Li Kequiang that he believes the “way forward” is for the Philippines and China to forge strong and mutually beneficial relations. .

Marcos declared during his meeting with Li in Beijing that both countries have ample opportunities for collaboration.

“It is very important that these partnerships continue to be strong, continue to be encouraged. And I think that will be the way forward to the mutual benefit of our countries,” Marcos said, as cited in a statement from the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).

As he put it, “because they are in the precise areas that are necessary to develop so that we are strong financially as a country, we are strong in our society, and we are strong in our partnerships with our friends and allies around the world,” these alliances should be fostered.

According to the OPS, the President pointed out that both countries now have the chance to advance their bilateral ties but also “foster greater modes of cooperation and partnership.”

Marcos highlighted that, though there remain many avenues for collaboration between the two nations, this will not be without its challenges.

Earlier, Marcos had met with Li Zhansu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, where he noted that the Philippines puts “primary importance” in its bid to strengthen ties with the Asian economic giant.

Marcos, together with members of his Philippine delegation, are currently in Beijing for a scheduled state visit until Thursday, January 5.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, over 10 bilateral agreements across a “broad range of areas” are expected to be signed during Marcos’ trip.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, for his part, said key agreements set to be sealed with China will yield gains for the government’s “Build Better More” infrastructure agenda.

“Part of this, we will be signing more than a dozen agreements and loans so that we can expect our ‘Build Better More’ to be accelerated. And also other areas like agriculture will be a big part of the mission,” the OPS said, quoting Diokno’s brief interview with reporters in Beijing.

Although he did not flesh out the details of these agreements, Diokno said “this very short trip will promise to be a very successful one.”

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/MUF/abc