By Recto Mercene
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua on Wednesday sought to repair the tattered relations between Manila and Beijing by saying that the Philippines should be a “natural part” of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Zhao made the statement during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China held in Manila.
“When we talk about the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the Philippines is going to be a natural part of this Silk Road; and it is China’s hope that we can work with the Philippines to establish and to start this Maritime Silk Road so that both our countries can benefit from this great initiative,” he said.
In 2013 Chinese President Xi Jinping, wanting to revive the ancient Silk Road, proposed that China and countries along the route would build together the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Zhao added that China is also promoting regional cooperation through the establishment of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which would be operational by the end of the year.
“We’re glad the Philippines participated in the process; and it is our sincere hope that before end of this year, the Philippines will become one of the founding members of AIIB,” he said.
Zhao said the Chinese have a very long memory “because we have a very long history.”
“Forty years of cooperation and friendship and they’re good, so we shall look into the future and should not be limited to the next 40 years, the future should be 400 years or maybe 4,000 years,” he said.
“We are friends, we are partners, friends don’t fight against each other,” Zhao said to the applause of the audience.
The Philippines and China relived the warm friendship and cooperation that have existed between them on Wednesday, which started when former President Ferdinand Marcos established diplomatic relations during a visit to its capital, Beijing, in 1974, accompanied by then First Lady, now Rep. Imelda Marcos of First District of Leyte.
Mrs. Marcos, along with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, were among the guests that coincided with the oath taking of new members of the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. and the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association.
A commemorative stamp was also launched.