According to the Philippine News Agency, Philippine President Marcos presided over the lighting ceremony of the Jones Bridge, a landmark building in Manila, on the evening of June 7, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the Philippines and China.
" "I am very happy to share with you that tonight's event has a deeper significance. This project is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China. Half a century of friendship and common history are reflected in this world's oldest Chinatown." Marcos said at the ceremony. Manila Chinatown was founded in 1594 and is the oldest Chinatown in the world. The Jones Bridge spans the Pasig River across Manila, connecting the Chinese community in Chinatown and the Filipino community, is a testament to the common tradition and deep connection between the two sides. Marcos said the event is part of the Philippines Chinatown revitalization project, aiming to restore the region and reaffirm its importance to the shared heritage of the Philippines and Chinese communities.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian was invited to attend the event and delivered a speech. He said that Chinese and overseas Chinese have made great contributions to the independence and liberation of the Philippines and economic and social development. They are well-deserved masters of the diverse society in the Philippines and deserve full recognition and high cherishment. Ambassador Huang stressed that "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 to review the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, conform to the will of the people, seek cooperation rather than confrontation, dialogue rather than conflict, and promote bilateral relations to return to the track of healthy and stable development as soon as possible."
Filipino President Marcos and Huang Xi even ambassadors expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the first lady Lisa Marcos for completing the first phase of the Pasig River restoration project and the historic Jones Bridge in a "very short time". Lisa has been working on the Pasig River restoration project, which she hopes will be completed before the Philippines hosts the ASEAN summit in 2026.
China and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975. In 2002, the Philippine government announced that June 9 of each year is the Philippine-China Friendship Day.
Source: Global Times
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