The Honorable Raoul Creencia, President of the Rotary Club of Manila,

The Honorable Delfin Lorenzana, Program Chairman,

Distinguished Guests,

I have been in the Philippines for over three months now. As China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, I will firmly safeguard national interests and dignity while serving as a bridge to ensure that China-Philippines relations move steadily forward rather than backward, and that the two peoples get closer together rather than further apart. The pace of work has been intense--sometimes with as many as seven events a day. Yet I truly enjoy this busy schedule, because my team and I are getting things done. One question has stayed with me throughout these months: how can China-Philippines relations stabilize as soon as possible and continue moving forward?

My own reflection is that, in recent times, we have not been meeting each other enough. Political dialogue has at times nearly come to a standstill. People-to-people exchanges dropped sharply from nearly three million visits a year before the pandemic to fewer than 300,000 last year. This situation must change, and it must change quickly. There is a Chinese saying: meeting face to face makes things work. This is even more true between countries. We have worked to resume political dialogue, after a hiatus of more than a year. Two rounds of talks have already taken place, and we are now working to advance exchanges at higher levels. Reopening of official channels  can be catalyst for cooperation in other areas.

Peoples should also meet each other often. The more people interact, the fewer misunderstandings there are. In January, the Philippine government announced a 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. We welcome this move and fully appreciate the efforts behind it. Meanwhile, direct flights between Cebu and Xiamen in Fujian will be back by the end of this month, and Manila-to- Chongqing flights will start in May, with more travel facilitating measures being discussed. At the same time, we have been working closely with the Philippine law enforcement agencies to strengthen joint efforts against cross-border crime, bring more criminals to justice, protect the legitimate rights and interests of our citizens, and ensure the safety for normal people-to-people exchanges.

There is enormous potential for our bilateral economic cooperation. Over the past decade, China has consistently been the Philippines’ largest trading partner, making up more than a quarter of its imports. At last year’s China International Import Expo, three durian exporters from Davao concluded deals worth 36.6 million US dollars. However, there is uncertainty among Chinese investors about investing in the Philippines. The amount of investment from China to the Philippines is among the lowest among ASEAN countries, and only barely ahead of Brunei. I hope as our political relations improve, trade and investment will also see substantial growth.

China regards the Philippines as a friend and a neighbor, and offers sincere assistance without seeking anything in return. China’s development is not a threat to the Philippines; it is an opportunity. During the pandemic, China provided the Philippines with 55 million doses of vaccines--even at a time when we ourselves did not yet have enough. Every time when the Philippines was affected by natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, China was the first to offer assistance. Recently, China coast guard retrieved 17 Filipino crew members from a shipwreck in the South China Sea. However, some ill-intentioned people are keen on maliciously smearing China as a “threat”. I cannot help but ask what are their motives?

As I often say to people I have met: China’s friends can also be the US’s friends. And the US’s friends can also be China’s friends. This is not a zero-sum game. The Philippines does not need to take sides, nor rely on one to counter the other. Like other ASEAN countries, it can maintain sound relations with both China and the United States. This best serves the Philippines’ fundamental and long-term interests. China and Philippines have huge potential for cooperation, which is beneficial to both parties. However, one issue still casts a shadow: the South China Sea. But it’s only one part of the relationship. When it takes over the whole agenda, everything else—trade, investment, tourism—takes a hit. Demeaning the relationship to a single issue limits what both sides can gain. China also has land or maritime disputes with several other neighbors, including India, Vietnam, and Japan. But through dialogue, we found solutions, or at least we managed the tensions. I believe that there are four basic ways to deal with these disputes between China and the Philippines.

First, fight. Clearly, neither side wants that. China has never invaded or colonized other countries. In a world still dealing with conflicts in places like Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and Venezuela, peace shouldn’t be taken for granted. The Philippines, in this context, has every reason to value having a neighbor that consistently upholds and practices peaceful development and cooperation. Second, talk. China supports resolving differences through dialogue. The South China Sea issue should be handled properly, while cooperation continues elsewhere. Third, status quo. If a solution isn’t possible for now, both sides should keep a safe distance. Uninhabited islands and reefs in the South China Sea should remain free of people and facilities. Avoid actions that could provoke or challenge the other side, and steer clear of unexpected incidents that might trigger tensions or escalate the situation. Fourth, joint development. The China Coast Guard and Philippine Coast Guard can work together on search and rescue and environmental protection. This year, the Philippines serves as ASEAN’s rotating chair. Both China and the Philippines hope to accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). To this end, consultations are becoming more frequent and more intensive.

China's position is clear: words for words, actions for actions, and cooperation for cooperation. We welcome constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes, but we oppose groundless attacks and smears. If fake news are spread, if China is defamed or if hatred is incited, we will not remain patient and silent. We will push back firmly without hesitation. This is our duty. We have every legitimate right to let the public be aware of the basic facts and China’s position.

The Philippines and China, we are neighbors, and neighbors should always learn from each other, help each other, and respect each other. The two peoples are both good and friendly peoples, and the two peoples should always like each other. There is not any reason for them to hate each other. Last week the annual sessions of China’s National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference have just concluded. One of the most important outcome of the “two sessions” was the adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan. With the adoption of China's new development blueprint for the next five years, the world is embracing more development and cooperation opportunities that transcend borders. It will contribute more stability, certainty and positive energy to the world. We hope that more of China’s High-Tech could be used here, in areas such as waste-to-energy, digital economy and AI, so as to support faster and better economic development in the Philippines.

Last month, right before I presented my credentials to President Marcos, in the holding room, I had a chance of reviewing many precious historical photographs capturing moments in our bilateral relations and documenting the highlights of our friendly exchanges. I deeply admire and respect the tremendous efforts made over the past 50 years by leaders, media professionals, and people from all walks of life in both countries to promote China–Philippines friendship. I hope that fifty years from now, when people celebrate the 100th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, and when they look back, they will also be very proud of what we are doing today.