Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s first State of the Nation Address was "very encouraging" as it signaled hopes for closer China-Philippines cooperation.
In an interview Wednesday, Huang said Marcos' national development plan opens up opportunities for the two countries to work on large-scale agricultural projects, infrastructure, energy and cultural exchanges.
"We have taken note of the SONA and it's quite encouraging. It has signaled a lot of encouraging messages," he said.
"China is willing to strengthen communication with the new Philippine government, follow through with the blueprint for bilateral and friendly cooperation, and shift it to a higher gear. In line with President Marcos’ ideas on national governance, China is ready to work with the Philippines to cooperate in the four key areas of large-scale agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges," he said.
He said he was also impressed when Marcos mentioned his plan to pursue an independent foreign policy, which sought to position the country as a "friend to all" and an "enemy to none."
"I'm very impressed when President Bongbong Marcos talked about independent foreign policy. We are still studying the speech of the SONA but I do think that it sends out signals, messages (of hope) to the people of this country and across the world," he said.
"[B]ased on the policies of the new administration, we will achieve [more] in the next six years," he added.
Huang on Wednesday led the unveiling of a photo exhibit featuring the milestones China and the Philippines reached in the past years.
"Since the pandemic broke out, China and the Philippines have helped each other, and bilateral cooperation has bucked the trend, illustrating the strong resilience and vitality of the relationship between the two countries," he said in his speech.
Looking ahead, he reiterated that China would prioritize Manila in its "neighborhood diplomacy" and continue its "friendly policy" towards the country.
Source: Philippines News Agency
