Philippine congratulates China on 75th founding anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — Amid strained relations over territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippines greeted and congratulated China on its 75th founding anniversary on Thursday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Teresa Lazaro, speaking on behalf of Secretary Enrique Manalo, spoke a little of how she hopes relations between the two countries will improve.

She lauded China’s achievements and took note of how many Filipinos share the admiration of China’s economic transformation within one generation and its accomplishments in meeting the United Nations Development Goals such as alleviating extreme poverty way ahead of schedule, ensuring food security and even developing universal education. 

“We also recognize China’s active efforts in the development of green energy and green transportation such as electric vehicles and alleviating the factors contributing to climate change, as well as other efforts of tackling global and common concerns faced by the international community,” Lazaro said.

She added that these accomplishments made China a prosperous society and the benefits are not only felt by the locals but also the neighboring regions and the world.

She admitted that while the relations between the Philippines and China “are not always smooth-sailing, we recognize the efforts and determination of both our countries to handle challenging issues through peaceful means, particularly through dialogue and diplomacy.”

“We are committed to enriching our comprehensive strategic cooperation on the basis of mutual benefits and mutual respect as two equal sovereign states,” she stressed. 

The DFA official remains optimistic that Philippines-China relations in terms of diplomacy and economics will still improve, especially since the two countries have “centuries-old people-to-people relations.”

Lazaro also highlighted the upcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, stressing that the country will continue to work with China “towards peace, prosperity and development for our mutual benefit.”

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, in his speech, thanked those who graced the event and “to all friends who