Your Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,

Your Excellency First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos,

Distinguished Guests,

Members of the Chinese community,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening! 

I would like to thank President Marcos and First Lady Liza for their support to reviving the historic Binondo district, reaffirming its cultural and historical significance to Filipino-Chinese heritage and the long-standing people-to-people ties between our countries. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without their personal care and support. 

I recently had a tour to Binondo. Although brief, the visit impressed me with the diligence and perseverance of generations of Chinese Filipinos. They have taken root in the Philippines and shared close bonds with local communities.

China and the Philippines just celebrated the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. But our ties go back much much further. For thousands of years, we are close neighbors and friends. As the Chinese often say, "Close neighbors are better than distant relatives". As neighbors, we should always respect each other, learn from each other and help each other, but not hurt each other. Our two peoples should like each other but not hate each other. 

Over the past decade, China has consistently been the Philippines’ largest trading partner and largest source of imports. Our Embassy has been working closely with the Philippines side to promote the people-to-people exchanges. Recently the Philippines announced the good news of 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. More and more Chinese tourists are coming back. 

When I visited Cebu several days ago, the local people asked me to help open a direct flight between their city and Fujian. They told me that 90% of Filipino-Chinese are originally from Fujian Province. With a direct flight, Chinese tourists will enjoy even more benefit of the visa-free entry. When I returned to Manila, I worked very hard on this issue and communicated with the relevant authorities. Today, we got the good news. China has decided to launch a direct flight between Fujian and Cebu. The first flight will take place on March 29th. From then on, there will be two flights per week. If more tourists are coming, the number of flights will be increased accordingly. And by the way, as more Chinese tourists come to Manila, we are ready to approve one additional direct flight between Manila and Fujian.

At the same time, we also hope to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the Philippine side to jointly combat crime and ensure the safety for normal people-to-people exchanges.

Right before I presented my credentials, Mr. President, I saw many precious historical photographs in the holding room, capturing moments in our bilateral relations. One precious piece is of the visit to China in 1974 by then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos and yourself. Another precious one captures the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. during his visit to China in 1975.  

I also saw the coffee table book produced by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, documenting the highlights of our friendly exchanges. 

I deeply admire and respect the efforts made over the past 50 years by leaders, statesmen, media professionals, and people from all walks of life in both countries to promote China–Philippines friendship. I hope fifty years from now, when people look back on this moment and they will also feel proud of the work we are doing today.

May the friendship between China and the Philippines last forever. 

Thank you and mabuhay!