Chinese Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Huang Xilian arrived in Manila on December 3, replacing longtime envoy Zhao Jianhua, who ended his five-year tour of duty.
As China’s new representative in Manila, Huang vowed to lead initiatives and programs that would effectively implement the recent agreements and consensus between President Duterte and President Xi Jinping of China.
“I’m designated by [our] president as the ambassador to promote friendship and to deepen our pragmatic cooperation,” the Chinese diplomat told reporters who covered his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He said the Philippines and China have reached a “level of agreement of consensus.”
“For me, the most important task is to implement those agreements and turn them into tangible benefits for our people,” he said.
‘Best yet to come’
In his speech, Huang made it apparent that his focus would also veer toward promoting the China-led Belt and Road Initiative in the country.
“China stands as the Philippines’s top trading partner, the largest source of imports, the third-largest export market and the second-largest tourist origin. The growth of China-Philippines relations, embodying common wishes of our people, have been generating more and more tangible benefits…and brought about a closer community of [a] shared future,” he noted.
Huang said, “the best is yet to come,” as 2020 is the conclusive year for China to complete building a “moderately prosperous society in all respects, and achieve its first centenary goal,” which coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippines diplomatic relations.
“I feel extremely honored to serve as the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines at such an important historical juncture, and will work wholeheartedly to promote China-Philippines friendship and cooperation, living up to the significant mission entrusted upon me,” he remarked.
Huang has mostly been working on Asian affairs in his diplomatic career and had previously visited the Philippines, which he described as “a paradise on Earth.”
Prior to becoming China’s ambassador to the Asean—his most recent posting—Huang served as deputy director general of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Department of Asian Affairs.
‘Mutually beneficial cooperation’
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. has vowed to maintain closer coordination with Huang to further strengthen ties between Beijing and Manila.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila reported that both officials discussed the overall status of the Philippines-China relations “that continue to develop in-depth” under the current administration.
“The secretary reaffirmed that [he and] the Department of Foreign Affairs [DFA] would maintain close cooperation with Ambassador Huang and the Chinese Embassy…to consolidate the Philippines-China friendship and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation,” the embassy said.
“[Huang] pointed out that in recent years, the Philippines-China relationship has developed at a steady pace, [as] the two countries have continuously advanced their cooperation in various areas, [bringing] benefits to the two peoples,” the embassy statement read.
The Chinese envoy was received by protocol officials from the DFA, officials from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and representatives from the local Chinese communities.
Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
Image credits: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora