Honorable First Lady Louise Araneta - Marcos,

Honorable Speaker of House of Representatives Faustino “Bojie” G. DyIII，

Honorable Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega，

Excellencies and Colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests,

各位侨领、各位同胞,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening!

It is a great honor and pleasure to welcome you all as we gather here to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. I would like to extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all our distinguished guests and dear friends for joining us tonight.

Over the past 76 years, China has made tremendous achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we have presented to the world: 

— An economically booming China, whose economy today stands as the world’s second largest. China leads global trade by a wide margin and contributes around 30 percent of global economic growth. In the first half of this year alone, our GDP expanded by 5.3 percent, continuing to serve as a strong engine for the world economy.

— An innovation-driven China, where extraordinary advances are taking place. From high-speed rail to new energy vehicles, from 5G networks to artificial intelligence, scientific and engineering breakthroughs are transforming the country. “Made in China” is evolving into “Created in China,” as the world’s manufacturing powerhouse increasingly becomes a driver of global innovation.

— A peace-dedicated China, whose grand military parade of Victory Day underscored a clear message: this great nation, which has endured the blood and fire of battlefields and risen peacefully from the ashes, is not only firmly resolved to safeguard peace, but also has the strength and capacity to act on this commitment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. The peoples of both countries are holding a variety of celebrations to commemorate this important occasion.

At the heart of our relationship — colored and enriched by the bonds between people — I have heard ever stronger calls to deepen our ties, read thoughtful reflections on how to better manage our differences, and felt the genuine desire across the Philippine society for closer cooperation.

The friendship between China and the Philippines spans more than a thousand years. The challenges we face today are but passing moments in the long course of history. I am therefore confident that, through the continued efforts of people of vision, we will overcome the difficulties before us and bring our relations back onto the right track of sound and steady development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eight decades ago, the Chinese nation, with enormous sacrifice, held the line in the main Eastern battlefield, making decisive contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China also took part in shaping the post–World War II international order — making a vital contribution to the defense of peace and the preservation of human civilization. 

History has taught us that peace, not war; cooperation, not confrontation; and win-win outcomes, not zero-sum games, are the enduring themes of human progress. In today’s changing and turbulent international environment, China will continue to be a steadfast force for peace, stability, and the progress of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

This is also a moment of farewell. I have had the honor of serving as the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines for five years and ten months, making me the longest-serving Chinese ambassador to the Philippines.

During my time in this beautiful country, I have experienced an unforgettable and truly extraordinary journey. I have witnessed the ups and downs of China-Philippines relations, and throughout it all, I have deeply felt the friendship and goodwill of the Philippine people toward the Chinese people.

The Philippine people are kind, warm and hospitable. From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope that people of the Philippines will enjoy a happy and prosperous life. This is my deepest and most heartfelt wish for the people of this country.

As I reflect on the deep friendship between our two peoples, I am reminded of many moments and efforts in strengthening the bonds between us, as I recall the shared experiences and challenges we have faced together.

Jointly, we stood firm against the once-in-a-century pandemic, writing a moving chapter of solidarity and resilience. We addressed maritime disputes and differences through diplomatic dialogue, making every efforts to inject stability to our bilateral relations. We engaged in deep reflection on the future of bilateral relations and worked to strengthen strategic mutual trust. We also listened closely to the voices of our peoples and devoted ourselves to fostering people-to-people bonds and advancing practical cooperation in various fields.

Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, our relationship has endured various challenges and been passed on from generation to generation. Looking ahead, I firmly believe that the friendship between our peoples will stand the test of time, and that the momentum of China–Philippines relations is unstoppable.

On this occasion, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all my friends in the Philippines, who have stood with me through thick and thin and offered invaluable support. I also hope that more people of vision will join in advancing China–Philippines relations, so that every stream of reason and goodwill may merge into an unstoppable force driving our shared journey forward.

（中文）同胞们、朋友们，

广大在菲华侨华人、中资企业和新闻机构人员、汉教志愿者和留学生与祖国发展同呼吸、与中菲关系共命运。我们风雨一起走、沟坎一起迈、困难一起扛。无论是百年疫情期间的慷慨驰援，还是两国关系波折时的辛勤奔走，你们都发挥了不可替代的重要作用。你们的爱心奉献夯实了中菲友好的坚实基础，你们的无私付出增进了两国人民的相知相亲。临别之际，我最牵挂的还是在菲律宾的同胞和侨胞，在此向你们致以衷心感谢和崇高敬意，并期待你们继续不懈努力，推动两国民心愈近、友谊愈深，为中菲关系贡献正能量、作出新贡献！

最后，让我们共同祝愿伟大祖国繁荣昌盛、人民幸福安康!

Finally, let us all wish for the prosperity of our great countries, the well-being of our peoples, the everlasting friendship between China and the Philippines, and the good health and happiness of our distinguished guests!