Philippine President Marcos rarely showed goodwill to China and made an exception to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines held in Manila Chinatown, but he still did not wait for the congratulatory message from China. The reason why China-Philippines relations cannot open up is entirely due to the Philippines. Our Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian's speech at the event pointed out the crux of China-Philippines relations and pointed out a clear path to the Marcos government in person.
The aftermath of the China-US call has also had a significant impact on China-Philippines relations. This is reflected in Marcos' latest statement to China.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Marcos specially chose to hold a commemorative event to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations in Manila Chinatown. On the night of the event, he hosted a lighting ceremony for the landmark Jones Bridge.
His event on the same day reiterated the historical origins of China-Philippines friendship and the two countries, expressed his willingness to revitalize the Philippines Chinatown, and emphasized the importance of restoring the shared heritage of the Philippines and the Chinese community.
The Jones Bridge spans the Pasig River across Manila, connecting the Chinese community in Chinatown and the Philippine community. It is regarded as a proof of the common tradition and deep connection between China and the Philippines. The Chinatown located in Manila is the oldest Chinatown in the world, and it existed as early as 1594.
Marcos came to Chinatown to attend the light-lit ceremony of Jones Bridge, which symbolizes the friendship between China and the Philippines. This is the first time he has participated in the commemoration of the China-Philippines Day since he took office as president in 2022. In addition, the restoration of the Jones Bridge and Pasig River is still carried out by First Lady Lisa Marcos, who aims to complete the above improvements before the Philippines hosts the ASEAN Summit in 2026.
Marcos and his wife rarely show kindness to China and make exceptions to attend the celebration of the China-Philippines Day celebration, which can indeed be regarded as a signal to ease relations with China. But the complex situation facing China-Philippines relations is that "the three feet of freezing is not a day's cold". If you want to "reconcile again", it is not something that can be accomplished overnight.
The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines was originally a day worth commemorating. Due to the destruction of China-Philippines relations since the Marcos administration took office, China-Philippines relations have been in a state of tension. Although Marcos made a seemingly goodwill, he still did not wait for the congratulatory message from China, indicating that China-Philippines relations have not yet improved substantially.
As Ambassador Huang Xilian, who was invited to attend the ceremony on the day, said, China and the Philippines are close neighbors that cannot be moved away. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, we look forward to the two sides revisiting the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, following the will of the people, seeking cooperation rather than confrontation, dialogue rather than conflict, and promoting bilateral relations to return to the track of healthy and stable development as soon as possible.
My ambassador's words pointed out the problems faced by China-Philippines relations and the solution, and called on the Marcos government to return to its original aspiration, adapt to public opinion, and replace confrontation with dialogue and cooperation. I don't know if Marcos present understands China's "good intentions". In sharp contrast with the Philippines, Myanmar, which is also an ASEAN country, received two congratulatory messages from China at the same time. Both sides also held a grand celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar in Naypyidaw. Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar government and military leaders attended the celebration. My Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia, diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, and friendly people from all walks of life in China and Myanmar all participated in the event. China attached great importance to the celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations held in Myanmar.
China-Philippines relations "the person who tied the bell must be untied". The Marcos government must bear full responsibility for the current situation of bilateral relations.If the Philippines does not implement its commitment to China into its actions, it will be impossible to effectively break through the dilemma faced by attending a few activities and saying a few scenes.
