Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. DARRYL ESGUERRA / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–During a courtesy call at the Manila City Hall on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua said the “healthy and steady” relationship between the Philippines and China could set a “general direction for the further cooperation.”
Zhao was received by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at the Bulwagang Katipunan.
“I would like to reiterate, after President Duterte [assumed] office in the Philippines, our relationship has been turned around and moving on a very steady and healthy track. So this can set a general direction, a general framework for the further cooperation and friendship between China and the Philippines and between Manila and your counterparts in China,” Zhao said.
He added that China would be funding and constructing five bridges across the Pasig River to ease traffic in Metro Manila.
The China-funded “Friendship Bridge” that connects Intramuros and Binondo is expected to be finished by December. — Nikka G. Valenzuela