Xi Jinping's visit to further boost PHL ties with China, Arroyo says

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hopes that the scheduled visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines this month would strengthen even more the relationship between the two countries.

In her speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Youth Summit 2018 held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Arroyo said the relations between the Philippines and China has a deep foundation and Xi’s visit in the country would only boost this bond.

“I expect President Xi’s visit to further strengthen relations between our two countries. Our evolving relationship is part of a history that dates back to previous leaders of our two countries, so it has a deep foundation," Arroyo said.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addresses the audience during the Boao Forum for Asia Youth Summit 2018 in Hong Kong. Office of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

"Now, the current status continues to be favorable, because President Rodrigo Duterte is a friend of China,” she added.

According to Arroyo, a good relationship between China and the Philippines is worth keeping because of its geographical location, trading partnership and proven capability in infrastructure development.

“The relationship between China and the Philippines is very important for my country. One major reason is geography – the Philippines and China are located within each other’s backyard, so to speak, so good relations between neighbors is always a priority," she said.

"Second, China is increasingly involved not only in bilateral dealings, but also collectively, such as through ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations], of which the Philippines is an active member,” she added.

Being friends with China is also good for the Philippines' economy, especially that the former's economy is poised to be largest in the world, Arroyo said.

"China’s economy remains the most dynamic and fast growing among the major nations, and will soon become the largest economy in the world, so of course, it is good to be friends with China,” she added.

At the same time, the "vibrant" Filipino-Chinese community in the country, as well as China's track record in infrastructure development, give more reasons why the Philippines should keep good relations with China, Arroyo said.

The former President has consistently supported Duterte's move to keep a strong relationship with China.

She recently brought 10 Filipino youth to China "to witness and experience for themselves the growth of China in the last 40 years since it opened up to the world." —KG, GMA News