More than 300 diplomats, government officials, academics and media representatives gathered for the 13th Manila Forum on Philippine-China Relations and the annual Christmas media [arty organized by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Association for Philippine-China Understanding (APCU) on Dec. 11, 2024 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xi Lian and former Senator Anna Nikki Coseteng were present during the event.
Ambassador Huang emphasized the importance of understanding China in the context of global and regional changes. He highlighted the concern many Filipinos have about the relationship between China and the United States, noting that shifts in US foreign policy, especially under the “Trump 2.0” administration are something to watch closely.
Huang discussed China’s remarkable economic growth, pointing out how the country’s GDP, which ranked third globally in 2008, has grown nearly four times the size of Japan’s.
He also noted that China’s high-speed rail network expanded to 46,000 kilometers, and the country’s industrial manufacturing now accounts for 30 percent of global output, surpassing the combined industrial output of the G7 nations.
The ambassador also talked about China’s commitment to its people’s welfare, highlighting that over the past 40 years, 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty, well ahead of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Huang stressed the importance of fighting corruption, maintaining social stability and ensuring public safety—values that are highly regarded in China.
He also outlined China’s vision for global peace and development, focusing on building “a community with a shared future for mankind.”
He pointed to China’s achievements in renewable energy and environmental conservation, such as leading the world in wind power and solar panel exports, and doubling its forest coverage from 12 percent to above 25 percent over the past 40 years.
Huang urged everyone to strengthen the friendship between the Philippines and China, noting that both countries share deep historical, cultural and economic ties.
He expressed optimism that continued cooperation and dialogue would build a prosperous and peaceful future for both nations and the world.
The forum promoted understanding and dialogue about China’s development and its global role, reinforcing the importance of Philippine-China cooperation in tackling global challenges and advancing mutual interests.
