(Philippines, 27th) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with outgoing Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, stating that although Philippine-China relations are complex, such differences should not define bilateral relations, emphasizing that the South China Sea issue is not the entirety of Philippines-China relations.
Huang Xilian expressed hope that the Philippines and China will work together to promote an early return of bilateral relations to the right track.
On Thursday (September 25), Huang Xilian paid a farewell visit to President Marcos. According to a press release published on the official website of the Office of the Philippine President, Marcos expressed appreciation for Huang’s contributions over the years in strengthening bilateral relations.
The press release noted that Marcos acknowledged the complexity of Philippines-China relations, including maritime issues, and emphasized the importance of conducting diplomacy, maintaining communication, and avoiding escalation.
Marcos said, "We cannot let these differences define our relations," and stressed that the West Philippine Sea issue is not the whole of Philippines-China relations. He added that the two countries should continue to encourage deeper trade, people-to-people, and cultural exchanges.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea.
According to information released by the official website of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, Huang Xilian thanked Marcos and the Philippine government for providing him with convenience and support during his tenure, agreed that the South China Sea dispute should not define China-Philippines relations, and said that both sides should manage differences through dialogue and consultation, jointly maintain maritime peace and regional stability.
Huang Xilian also mentioned the Taiwan Strait issue, stressing that the Taiwan issue concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is purely China’s internal affairs. He hopes that the Philippines will honor its commitments, adhere to the One China Principle, and handle issues relating to Taiwan with caution and care.
Huang further said that the 50-year history of China-Philippines diplomatic relations shows that good-neighborly friendship conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and reflects mainstream public opinion and common aspirations. He hopes that the Philippines and China will work together to promote an early return of bilateral relations to the right track.
Huang Xilian expressed hope that the Philippines and China will work together to promote an early return of bilateral relations to the right track.
On Thursday (September 25), Huang Xilian paid a farewell visit to President Marcos. According to a press release published on the official website of the Office of the Philippine President, Marcos expressed appreciation for Huang’s contributions over the years in strengthening bilateral relations.
The press release noted that Marcos acknowledged the complexity of Philippines-China relations, including maritime issues, and emphasized the importance of conducting diplomacy, maintaining communication, and avoiding escalation.
Marcos said, "We cannot let these differences define our relations," and stressed that the West Philippine Sea issue is not the whole of Philippines-China relations. He added that the two countries should continue to encourage deeper trade, people-to-people, and cultural exchanges.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea.
According to information released by the official website of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, Huang Xilian thanked Marcos and the Philippine government for providing him with convenience and support during his tenure, agreed that the South China Sea dispute should not define China-Philippines relations, and said that both sides should manage differences through dialogue and consultation, jointly maintain maritime peace and regional stability.
Huang Xilian also mentioned the Taiwan Strait issue, stressing that the Taiwan issue concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is purely China’s internal affairs. He hopes that the Philippines will honor its commitments, adhere to the One China Principle, and handle issues relating to Taiwan with caution and care.
Huang further said that the 50-year history of China-Philippines diplomatic relations shows that good-neighborly friendship conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and reflects mainstream public opinion and common aspirations. He hopes that the Philippines and China will work together to promote an early return of bilateral relations to the right track.