CEBU CITY – The People’s Republic of China, for the past 75 years has found the right path for modernization with its fast-economic development and long-term social stability that boosts the confidence of developing countries to push for modernization.
Consul General Zhang Zhen of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu said in her keynote message at the celebration of the 75th Founding Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on September 27 at the Grand Ballroom, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu, with nearly 500 guests composed of local government officials, diplomats, businessmen and different chambers of commerce in Central Visayas and the media in attendance.
“Chinese modernization benefits the world. China is a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a champion of international order. China took the lead in proposing and acting on the five principles of peaceful coexistence,” Consul Zhen said.
China’s modernization is peaceful and it has never waged war but goes all out to help fellow developing countries, she went on that her country is the largest contributor to UN peace-keepers; the largest contributor to the core budget of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols; the largest contributor to world economic growth; the main trading partner of nearly 200 economies in the world.
Consul Zhen describes China’s modernization as people-centered, green being in harmony with humanity and nature, peaceful as it is the builder of world peace, contributes to global development and champion of international order.
China’s strong economy reflects confidence of the international community in China.
According to Consul Zhen, China’s GDP, in the first half of 2024 grew by five percent with the total volume of imports and exports of goods increased by 6.1 percent and the number of new foreign-funded enterprises increased by 14.2 percent year-on-year (YOY).
The Consul bared that in July this year, the Communist Party of China (CPC), in its 3rd plenary session of its 20th Central Committee inked more than 300 reform tasks and came up with a new blueprint for more comprehensive reforms to advance the country’s modernization.
“A more open China with high-quality development will bring more development opportunities to all countries in the world, especially neighboring countries. China adheres to the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighbors, and acts on the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness,” Consul Zhen said.
PH-China celebrates nearly 50 years of diplomatic ties.
In 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines maintaining a forward-looking trend in its bilateral relations that continue to yield many fruits in various fields of cooperation.
History shows that as long as both countries honor the original commitment to diplomatic ties, properly manage differences, the road of cooperation will be even broader, benefitting both Chinese and Filipinos.
Cebu City acting mayor, Raymond Alvin Garcia congratulated the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu for its 75th Founding Anniversary and said that it was a momentous occasion that represents not only the resilience and progress of a great nation but also the enduring friendship that binds both Chinese and Filipinos together.
“The history between Cebu and the Chinese people runs very deeply stretching back to centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards. Our ancestors traded shared knowledge and forged bonds that laid the foundation for a relationship that transcends borders and cultures,” Garcia said.
He added that as both nations stand together in commemoration of China’s remarkable journey this is also a reflection on the deep historical ties that link both communities. It is through these connections that both nations see the potential or even a stronger collaboration in the future, one rooted to mutual respect, shared aspirations and a vision of prosperity for both our nations.
May this milestone serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength that unity brings. Let’s continue to work together not only as a nation but also as communities Cebu City and China towards deeper understanding, meaningful partnership and a future where both peoples triumph side by side, Garcia added.
Consul Zhen, on the other hand, cited that Chinese and the Visayans or ‘Bisaya’ have the same values. They are kind, open, diligent, intelligent and peace-loving people. Peace and development are their common aspirations. Chinese and Bisaya have millennium-old exchanges and profound historical connections, people enjoy and carry on these legacies.
Many Chinese and Filipino-Chinese have been well integrated with the host country and made tremendous contributions to the local economy and society. PH-China good-neighborliness, enduring friendship and win-win cooperation could bring tangible benefits to both sides.
“I am looking forward to you all continuing to care and support China-Philippines relations. Let’s make joint efforts to steer clear of disruption, to strengthen communication and mutual understanding, to advance bilateral relations for common prosperity and lasting peace, for a better homeland in Asia!” Consul Zhen concluded.