Duterte lauds Philippines-China ties in Chinese New Year message

MANILA, Philippines — On the eve of the Chinese New Year, President Rodrigo Duterte highlighted the friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and China.

In his message to the Chinese community, Duterte said the “friendship and cooperation forged between the Philippines and China have not only led to greater prosperity and economic growth to both nations but also gave rise to a unique culture that is nurtured by harmony amidst diversity.”

Duterte urged Chinese-Filipinos to “cultivate the values and ideals that fuel our strong resolve to usher in a period of greater peace and understanding as we rise higher above the challenges ahead.”

“May this New Year bring hope, inspiration and more achievements to the Chinese-Filipino community and the entire nation,” the President said.

Chinese New Year will be celebrated in the country on Tuesday, which is also a special non-working holiday.

The bilateral relation between the two countries has reached unprecedented levels in terms of security and regional cooperation, trade, investment, tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchanges since Duterte assumed the presidency in 2016. /ee