China-PHL relationship ‘turned a new page’ with Marcos as president — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said the relationship between Manila and Beijing has “turned a new page” with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. being elected as the Philippines’ top official.

Wang made the remark during his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo held at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City.

He pointed out that it is “even more important for China and the Philippines, as two close neighbors, to join hands and further enhance mutual trust [and] expand mutual beneficial cooperation.”

According to him, these will be important contributions to the peace and stability of both countries, aside from serving their common interests and their peoples. Wang also underscored that “good neighborliness” is the lone prospect for bilateral relations.

“With President Marcos being elected, China-Philippine relationship has turned a new page. We highly appreciate President Marcos’ recent commitment to pursuing a friendly policy toward China and we speak highly of his latest statements that has sent a very positive signal to the outside world,” he said.

Wang was referring to an earlier statement of Marcos in June when he branded China as the Philippines’ strongest partner. Marcos then said that the difficulties and differences of the two countries would be “helped in every way as long as we continue trying and continue to communicate and continue to be forthright in the interest of each of our countries.”

This was welcomed by Wang, stressing that China is ready to work with the Philippines to “open up a new golden era” for their bilateral relationship.

“We are ready to work toward that same direction with the Philippines and to plan for our cooperation going forward in all areas of our comprehensive strategic partnership and I am confident that with our two sides working together, we can surely open up a new golden era for the bilateral relationship,” he said.

For his part, Manalo said he looks forward to fruitful exchanges on important matters between the Philippines and China.

“China has been a good friend and close partner of the Philippines in our recovery efforts and we have stood shoulder to shoulder in times of great difficulty, helping one another so that we may both bring progress to our people and nations,” he added.

Wang arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday night, where he was welcomed by DFA officials. He was the first foreign counterpart received by Manalo since he assumed office on July 1.

Wang is also set to have a meeting with Marcos in Malacañang later this afternoon.

The President earlier said he would meet with Wang to strengthen ties between Manila and Beijing. He emphasized that there are other things that should be tackled, and not just the issue of the West Philippine Sea. — RSJ/VBL, GMA News