A cultural exchange event in Parañaque City highlighted the centuries-old ties between China and the Philippines, focusing on the historical connection between China’s Dezhou city and the Sulu Sultanate.
Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Dezhou Municipal People’s Government and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Association of the Philippines Foundation (FFCAP), the event, titled “Dezhou and Sulu: Historical Bond and Future Ties by the Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines,” drew about 500 diplomats, delegates, and Filipino Chinese community leaders on November 26.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz, in a video message, emphasized the 21-generation-long friendship between the Sulu Sultanate and China.
He described the unique historical bond as a symbol of deep friendship and mutual respect between the two nations and called on both to strengthen their 600-year-old relationship as they mark the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations.
Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong said China is committed to advancing cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.
He said China would continue promoting modernization while creating more opportunities for shared global development and will take greater responsibility in fostering global cooperation and harmony.
FFCAP chairman Keeping Tiu echoed this sentiment, saying the historical roots of the Sulu king in China reflect the deep integration of the two civilizations and the enduring friendship between the Filipino and Chinese peoples.
The history of the Sulu king’s tomb and the friendship monument in China was shared by An Jing, a 19th-generation descendant of the Sulu king.
Liu Zhirong, head of the Dezhou delegation, introduced the city’s industrial strengths and strategic location, noting that Dezhou has been listed among China’s top 100 advanced manufacturing cities for four consecutive years.
He also shared that Dezhou is an important hub along the Belt and Road Initiative and has established sister-city relationships with Philippine cities including Zamboanga City and Carmona.
The event concluded with colorful cultural performances by artists from Dezhou City, showcasing the distinctive heritage and rich traditions of Shandong Province.
