Good evening!
First of all, I'd like to welcome all of you to the reception tonight. During the past one and half month since I arrived in the Philippines as new Chinese ambassador, I have extensively engaged with Philippine friends from all walks of life and clearly felt the warmth of your friendship. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank all of you for awarding me the grand entry.
The year 2019 witnessed the sustained betterment and growth of China-Philippines relations. President Xi Jinping and President Duterte met twice last year, setting the strategic course for the steady growth of China-Philippines relationship.
China is now the Philippines' top trading partner, second largest source of tourists and one of the largest investors. Last year, more than 1.5 million Chinese nationals visited this beautiful country. We have been actively synergizing the BRI and the Build, Build, Build Plan and supporting the development of the Philippines. I am sure as more and more Chinese projects are launched and completed, they will bring more tangible benefits to the Philippine people.
Important bilateral mechanisms including the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on South China Sea (BCM) are working well. The consultation on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, with the Philippines as the country coordinator of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, has been steadily moving forward, contributing to the peace and stability of the region and beyond. For the first time in history, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel is paying a port call at the Philippines, conveying the message of friendship, cooperation and goodwill.
All the progress could not be achieved without the support and contributions made by the Philippine friends and Chinese community in the Philippines. On behalf of the Embassy, I would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you for your hard work and valuable contributions. 我特别要感谢广大华社,各社团组织以及各位旅菲华侨华人,中资机构,志愿者老师,留学生为中菲关系的健康稳定发展所做的贡献!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The past year marked the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, a year that witnessed remarkable development and progress in China. We steadily pursued high-quality development while making continuous improvement in people's livelihood and achieving significant breakthrough in science and technology. We opened our arms wider to embrace the world, and continue to uphold multilateralism and win-win cooperation. In 2020, China will build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, meeting its first centenary goal. China will also eradicate extreme poverty for the first time in thousands years history of China.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Chinese new year is just around the corner. According to the traditional Chinese Zodiac Signs, 2020 is the year of rat, or golden rat, which symbolizes smartness and energy. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to extend warmest greetings to all of you for a prosperous and energetic new year. The year 2020 also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Let's seize the day and live it to the full to work for the greater development of both countries as well as the sustained growth of our bilateral ties.
On this note, may I now invite some of our distinguished guests to the stage to join me in a toast.
(Please allow me to say a few words in Chinese. 在鼠年春节即将来临之际,我给旅菲广大华侨华人朋友们以及在菲同胞们拜个早年,祝大家在新的一年里身体健康,工作顺利,生活红火,阖家幸福!福气与收获"鼠"也"鼠"不清!)
Please join me in a toast,
To the prosperity of the Republic of the Philippines and the well-being of her people,
To the sustained, sound and stable growth of China-Philippines relations, and
To the health of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte,
To the health of all the friends present here,
Cheers!