Your Excellencies President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and incoming First Lady Madame Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos,

Your Excellency Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, 

Your Excellency Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,

Your Excellencies Senators, Cabinet Secretaries and National Security Adviser,

Honorable Mr. Raul Lambino, Chairman of APCU,

Honorable Mr. Jefferey Ng, President of APCU,

Distinguished Guests and Laureates,

Dear Friends and colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen,

On the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the China-Philippines diplomatic relations, the 21st China-Philippines Friendship Day, and the 124th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines, I am honored to join you here in the awarding ceremony of the 2nd APPCU.  

As the Award enters its second year, I am pleased to see more nominees, more colorful stories, and the increasing influence of the Award. I would like to share with you some thoughts we have gathered during this process.

First, China and the Philippines remain unchanged in pursuing mutual understanding and friendship. The traditional friendship between China and the Philippines has lasted for over a thousand years. In mid-1970s, Chairman Mao Zedong, together with President Marcos and Madame Imelda, established the diplomatic relations between our two countries. Madame Imelda visited China even before that and was warmly received by Chairman Mao, leaving behind valuable historic memories. Last year, Madame Imelda was awarded with the first Hall of Fame for opening the door for and her long term commitment to this great relations. I also know that President-elect “Bongbong” Marcos paid his first visit to Beijing as early as 1974. That was much earlier than my first visit to our capital. Thanks to the delicate cultivation of generations of leaders and pioneers of the two countries, our friendship has continued to mark new progress. President Estrada signed the Presidential Decree to establish the China-Philippines Friendship Week, and President Arroyo declared June 9th as the China-Philippines Friendship Day. Now, after 47 years, our aspiration for greater understanding and affinity has never changed, and will not change. I am truly grateful to all those who have contributed to the establishment of the diplomatic relations and friendship.

Second, the positive momentum of China-Philippines friendly cooperation is overwhelming. Over the past six years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, China-Philippines relations have turned around, consolidated and been elevated to one of Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation. China has maintained the Philippines’ largest trading partner, second largest export market and source of foreign investment for the Philippines. A large number of cooperation projects continue to deliver, marking major progress in synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Build, Build, Build” Program. Win-win cooperation has become an irresistible trend. We have also handled our differences in a constructive manner, which has not only broadened our cooperation but also injected positive energy into regional peace and stability.

Third, China and the Philippines have broad prospects for a shared future. Both China and the Philippines are developing countries in Asia. The development of our countries is rooted in a good neighborhood and an emerging Asian family. Last month, President Xi Jinping stressed in his phone conversation with President-elect “Bongbong” Marcos that the two countries should write a grand story on the China-Philippines friendship in the new era and follow through the blueprint for bilateral friendly cooperation. And President-elect “Bongbong” Marcos expressed his hope to see the relationship shift to a higher gear. I’m fully confident that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, our relations will surely open a new chapter and be upgrated to new heights.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to once again congratulate all the laureates and pay high tribute to your contributions! You are undoubtedly the “spokespersons” and “true heroes” of our friendship. I look forward to more people contributing to this great cause.

China-Philippines relations are now at a critical juncture. The everlasting friendship between the Chinese and Philippine people is an inexhaustible driving force for the long-term development of bilateral relations. Let us commit to steering our relationship in the right direction, deepen our mutually beneficial cooperation, and usher in an even brighter future for China-Philippines friendship.

I thank you and wish this ceremony a complete success! Long live China-Philippines friendship! Mabuhay and Maraming Selamat!