MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Monday conferred the Congressional medal of achievement to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines for fostering “stronger bonds of very good friendship between the Philippines and China.”
The House adopted House Resolution No. 474, which honors the work and contribution of Zhao as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines.
“Zhao has played a significant role for the governments of the Philippines and China to resolve their differences in a friendly manner, leading to the turnaround of previously cold relations into the golden age of Philippines-China bilateral relations that we know today,” the resolution read.
The resolution noted that during Zhao’s tenure, China became the Philippines’ top trading partner, its 4th largest export market, top import supplier in 2018, has increased Chinese tourist arrivals in the Philippines to 1.26 million in 2018, and has signed bilateral agreements with the Philippines ranging from the economic, political, cultural and humanitarian and security aspects of Philippines-China relations.
The resolution also noted that Zhao was successful in facilitating four state visits of President Rodrigo Duterte to China since 2016, President Xi Jinping’s state official visit to the Philippines in 2018.
“While there may be real and difficult issues remaining between the Philippines and China, through the work and contribution of Ambassador [Zhao], the Philippine Government is certain that the lines of communication between the Philippines and China shall always remain open to resolve peacefully any difference between our countries and peoples,” it read.
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Zhao is set to leave Manila this month for another posting.
Duterte also conferred Zhao the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu on him.
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