The Chinese ambassador to the Philippines was interviewed by the Philippine media and talked freely about the bright future of China-Philippines relations

Manila, 19 Jan (China News Service) -- Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian was interviewed live by an ANC television station in the Philippines on 19 January, interpreting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's video speech at the Fifth "China-Philippines Manila Forum" a few days ago, talking freely about strengthening Sino-Philippine friendship, promoting pragmatic cooperation, properly handling the South China Sea issue, and creating a better future for China-Philippines relations.

Huang Xilian said that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a video speech at the forum, which reflects the great importance that the Chinese government attaches to China-Philippines relations and demonstrates China's firm determination and confidence in upholding Sino-Philippine friendship. The forum mainly conveyed three important messages of China's policy toward the Philippines. First, we must always uphold Sino-Philippine friendship. Second, we must always adhere to common development. Third, we must always adhere to peaceful coexistence.

Regarding China-Philippines economic and trade cooperation, Huang Xilian said that even under the unfavorable circumstances of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, trade and investment between the two countries have increased significantly. The recent signing of a contract between a Chinese enterprise and the Philippine government for the first phase of the South Line of the Philippine North-South Railway is the latest example. In recent years, China's economy has maintained a steady momentum of development. We are willing to share development opportunities with the Philippine side. State Councilor Wang Yi said that China is willing to continue to open the door to more Philippine agricultural products, bring more investment, help the Philippines accelerate the process of industrialization and modernization, and enhance the Philippines' independent development capabilities. China and the Philippines should accelerate the pace of cooperation, ensure the stability of the supply chain, deepen the docking of development strategies, and help economic recovery. The two sides should also expand cooperation in new fields and new formats such as artificial intelligence, big data, and 5G.

Not long ago, the Philippines was hit by super typhoon Rey, president Xi Jinping expressed sincere condolences for the first time, and the Chinese government took the lead in providing emergency assistance. In his speech at the forum, State Councilor Wang Yi announced that the Chinese government has decided to provide another 100 million yuan of free aid to the Philippines. It is hoped that this assistance will help the disaster-stricken areas of the Philippines to rebuild their homes at an early date.

Regarding the differences in the South China Sea, Huang Xilian said that it is normal for China and the Philippines to have differences as neighbors, and the key is to properly handle them. The South China Sea issue should become a stepping stone to the development of China-Philippines relations, not a roadblock. State Councilor Wang Yi said that both China and the Philippines have their own views and positions, and if they only highlight one-sided propositions and impose their own opinions on each other, this is not really the way of being a neighbor, nor is it a philosophy of getting along with friends. China will never bully the small with the big, we do not believe that the winner takes all, and we are willing to work with the Philippine side to find a way to control and solve it in a spirit of goodwill and pragmatism.

Huang Xilian said that as long as China and the Philippines earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, regional peace and stability will certainly be achieved, and a better future for bilateral relations will certainly be realized.

Source: China News Network