By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian conveyed hopes for the Philippine-China relations’ return onto the “right track.”
At the Chinese National Day reception in Taguig City Thursday night, Huang reflected on his various engagements with the Philippines over the past five years and noted the “strong calls to deepen ties” among different sectors in society.
“The challenges we face today are but passing moments in the long course of history,” he said in his remarks.
“I am therefore confident that, through the continued efforts of people of vision, we will overcome the difficulties before us and bring our relations back onto the right track of sound and steady development,” he added.
While he did not make a direct mention of the continued tensions over the West Philippine Sea, the envoy acknowledged that dialogue had played an essential role in “injecting stability” into the bilateral relations despite maritime disputes and differences.
“Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, our relationship has endured various challenges and been passed on from generation to generation,” he said.
“Looking ahead, I firmly believe that the friendship between our peoples will stand the test of time, and that the momentum of China–Philippines relations is unstoppable,” he added.
The Philippine-China relations over the years have been marked by a series of untoward incidents in the West Philippine Sea—from dangerous Chinese ship maneuvers to water cannoning of Philippine vessels— that prompted Manila to lodge dozens of diplomatic protests against Beijing.
In a farewell meeting on Sept. 19, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines intends to keep its diplomatic channels open and affirmed its interest in forging a “future-oriented” cooperation with China.
Huang formally assumed as Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines on Dec. 4, 2019, when he presented his credentials to then president Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA)
