Honorable Assistant Secretary Ronald Allarey,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening!
This is a wonderful evening for me, a new comer to the great country, the Philippines.
Before I came, I read a book about the Philippines. The author says, there is no question that the Philippines is a little more challenging to visit than some other Asian countries, but for the traveler who makes the effort to get there, the Philippines is usually a very pleasant surprise. The people of the Philippines are warm and friendly, and the island and mountain vistas are truly superb.
After 18 days since I arrived, I believe the author is telling the truth. I am amazed by the openness and dynamism of this country.
For the last two weeks I called on the leaders, congressmen, secretaries, with whom I had wonderful and delightful conversations. I mixed with the local people, I went shopping, enjoyed the delicious Philippine food, and please believe me I visited the spectacular Mt. Pinabuto.
Now I feel at home in the Philippines. May I express my heartfelt thanks to you for coming to the reception. Your presence here tonight gives me friendship, support and more confidence.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I feel deeply that, as Ambassador to your country, I am carrying a mission of honor and great responsibility. The Chinese people and the Philippine people have deep-rooted friendship. We are geographically close, and we share similarities in our history, culture and values. Since we established diplomatic ties 34 years ago, our bilateral relations have enjoyed smooth progress. The mutual understanding and trust between us has been built up, the all round cooperation deepened and strengthened, and the friendship between our people developed. The Philippine people hosted 100 boys and girls who survived the earthquake in Sichuan is what the people in Sichuan will not forget too soon.
The Chinese Government sees the China-Philippine relationship from a long term and strategic perspective. Our relationship is strong and we want to make it stronger. And this is my mission as well.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
China and the Philippine are both developing countries to different degrees. We have shared objectives in pursuing economic-socio development and improving people's livelihood. China has a lot to share with the Philippines and vice versa. We are willing to deepen cooperation with the Philippines in the areas that meet the need of the Philippine people, water projects, power supply, irrigation facilities, farming technology, transportation, communication, education, etc. What we should do is to turn the probability into possibility, to turn the potentiality into real benefits to the people, and we should act now.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
China maintains that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor are equal members of the international community. China follows the path of peaceful development, and will work hard with other countries to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. China is committed to settling international disputes through peaceful means, and preserving international and regional security. In such a spirit we call on the parties concerned to engage in cooperation rather than confrontation in the South China Sea.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippine diplomatic relations. We are ready to join the Philippine people in celebrating this event. We will be looking forward to another 35 years in which we will have better achievements.
Now please allow me to propose a toast, to the profound friendship between our two peoples, to the prosperity and well-being of the Philippines and to the health of our guests here today. Mabuhay!