Monday, January 23, 2017

The Dawn of a New Era in Philippines-China Relations

"We will see a new beginning of Philippine-China relations.......millions of Chinese tourists will be visiting the Philippines beginning this year."  -Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua At the entrance of Makati Shangri la's Isabel ballroom are dozens of reporters and journalists angling to get a statement from the evening's celebrity, China's Ambassador to the Philippines, Zhao Jianhua. Anvil Business Club officers together with the country's business leaders, prominent government officials and leaders of various business and social organizations all came to celebrate Chinese New Year or Spring Festival with the Chinese ambassador. The annual event was organized by the Chinese embassy to celebrate not only the most important traditional event in China but also to celebrate the long standing friendship between the Philippines and China. Ambassador Zhao Jianhua in his usual sparkling red Chinese national attire, was beaming with joy and confidence throughout the night as guests warmly approached and greeted him. In his speech, he was ecstatic about the prospects of a firm and warm relationship between the Philippines and China. Golden Age of Infrastructure Due to the renewed friendship ties between the Philippines and China which was initiated by President Duterte, the Chinese government has openly affirmed their commitment to extend economic support and assist the Philippine government with $3.7 billion worth of funding for infrastructure projects. Some of the projects include massive railway system The investment in infrastructure will spur rapid economic growth in the next 10 years. Tourism Boom China has lifted travel advisory cautioning its citizens traveling to the Philippines when President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping renewed bilateral talks and diplomatic ties. Ambassador Zhao Jianhua confidently assured the guests that millions of Chinese tourists will visit the country. We are witnessing a new era in Philippines-China relations and Anvil Business Club is firmly committed to be a positive agent in nation building through economic development.