The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines held its “Friends of Embassy” award ceremony at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati on Jan. 21, 2025.
Several individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to strengthening the bilateral ties between China and the Philippines.
Some 30 individuals and groups received various accolades, including the “Outstanding Performance Award,” “Outstanding Dedication Award” and the “People-to-People Communication Award.”
Former senator Nikki Coseteng and Fernando Gan, secretary general of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), were honored with the “Outstanding Contributions Award.”
China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xi Lian delivered an address to highlight the significant achievements of the embassy over the past year, despite facing numerous challenges.
Huang said the embassy remained committed to fostering a spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding.
He also outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the embassy in 2024, including policies aimed at benefiting both Chinese and Filipino citizens.
The initiatives included a reduction in Chinese visa fees for Filipinos, the cancellation of diplomatic verification for Philippine documents and the opening of a Chinese Visa Service Center, which issued around 130,000 visas to Filipino nationals—an increase of nearly 50 percent compared to 2023.
The embassy also supported the Philippine government’s efforts to fully ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), which strengthened cooperation between the two countries in law enforcement and efforts to combat transnational crime.
Huang also stressed the embassy’s commitment to safeguarding the security and legal rights of Chinese nationals in the Philippines, with about 2,000 consular cases resolved and around 1,000 Chinese citizens being rescued from difficult situations over the past year.
He pointed out that people-to-people exchanges are the cornerstone of strong diplomatic relations, and encouraged more individuals, especially those with expertise and knowledge, to contribute to furthering the civil exchanges between China and the Philippines. He noted that these exchanges are crucial to maintaining and growing the long-term friendship between the two nations.