Chinese Ambassador Calls for Cooperation Instead of Confrontation
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian has urged both Filipinos and Chinese to “seek cooperation instead of confrontation” as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. During the lighting ceremony of Manila’s historic Jones Bridge, an event symbolizing the golden jubilee of the Philippines-China partnership, Huang emphasized the inseparable bond between the countries.
“China and the Philippines are close neighbors that cannot move apart. Good neighborliness serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples,” Huang said on the evening of June 7. He expressed hope that more people will join efforts to strengthen the relationship towards an even brighter future.
Jones Bridge Lighting Highlights Strong Ties
The ceremony, led by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, gathered diplomatic officials, Cabinet members, and leaders from the Filipino-Chinese business community. Huang praised the Filipino-Chinese community for their significant contributions to the nation’s economic growth and cultural wealth.
“Chinese Filipinos have made tremendous contributions to the national liberation and independence, and the Philippines’ economic development and cultural richness,” he stated. “They are true stakeholders and rightful protagonists in this multi-society, whose participation and contribution should be well-valued and cherished.”
He also thanked the Chinese engineers involved in the lighting project and the First Lady for spearheading the revitalization. “Without the generous support of the Filipino-Chinese community, this project would never have come to fruition,” Huang added.
Collaborative Efforts to Celebrate Heritage
The Jones Bridge lighting is a joint effort between the Philippine government and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It forms part of a larger initiative to restore Binondo, Manila’s historic Chinatown, and honor its cultural and historical significance.
Malacañang noted that this year’s celebration focuses on “people-to-people exchanges” and reaffirms the “deep-rooted ties between the Filipino and Chinese communities.”
For more news and updates on Philippines-China relations, visit Filipinokami.com.