Cebu, China deepen ties, touts shared future
SINGAPORE — Fifty-one years after China and the Philippines established diplomatic relations, local and diplomatic officials are calling for stronger bilateral cooperation and extending a formal invitation for Cebu Province to represent the Philippines at a major regional trade expo next year.
Consul General Zhang Zhen of the Chinese Consulate in Cebu delivered the remarks on Tuesday, June 9, at a gathering marking the 25th Philippine-China Friendship Day, attended by Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.
Also present were provincial board members, and city councilors.
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During the event, Zhang invited Cebu Province to participate in the 2026 China-ASEAN Expo as the “Province of Charm,” representing the Philippines, a designation she said captures both the province’s character and the warmth of its people.
“In my eyes, Cebu Province truly is the Province of Charm, and Metro Cebu is a cluster of charming cities,” Zhang said. “And much of that charm comes from the wonderful people who call Cebu home.”
Zhang, who has been posted in Cebu for more than three years, also framed China’s incoming 15th Five-Year Plan as an opening for Philippine participation, describing it as an invitation for partner nations to share in opportunities for innovation, infrastructure, and trade.
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Tracing the roots of the bilateral relationship, Zhang cited centuries of economic partnership and intermarriage between Chinese and Filipino communities.
“This blood-deep friendship remains our shared legacy today,” she said.
On the other hand, Zhang acknowledged that the relationship has not been without friction, but argued that shared interests outweigh existing differences.
“The opportunities we share together far outweigh the differences that divide us… All we need is a sound, stable bilateral relationship that stays on the right track,” she said.
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In the meantime, the Chinese consulate here offered their condolences to families affected by the recent Mindanao earthquake before turning to the broader significance of the occasion.
Diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines were formally established on June 9, 1975.
Zhang also called on leaders across sectors in Cebu to help translate the spirit of the anniversary into concrete economic, diplomatic, and people-to-people outcomes.
“The path to lasting friendship is not without obstacles, yet it is the only path worth taking,” he said.
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