MANILA, Philippines — The celebration of Chinese New Year by the Chinese-Filipino community reflects the “strong and inseparable” centuries-old relations between the Philippines and China, President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday.
“This occasion celebrates new beginnings and ushers in hope and wishes of prosperity for our nation,” Duterte said in his Chinese New Year’s message.
“The fact that we are celebrating this event and embracing it as one of our own reflects the strong and inseparable relationship bond that has been forged through centuries of friendly and beneficial relations between the Philippines and China,” the Chief Executive added.
The President also hopes that Filipinos foster “stronger bonds of friendship with those Chinese descent in other parts of the world through “cooperation, investment, cultural exchanges and people to people ties.”
He also hopes that the Filipino-Chinese community will continue to “engage in charitable acts” that uplift other people’s lives, especially those of the poor and marginalized.
“Together, these small acts of kindness shall create a ripple effect that will benefit not only those belonging to your community but also countless others, creating a much bigger wave of compassion that will eventually redound to the greater good of our country,” he said.
Duterte has made official visits to China five times since his term started in 2016. He last went to China from August to September 2019 for a three-day official visit.
However, the Philippines is locked in a long-time territorial dispute with the emerging superpower over ownership of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s nine-dash line and historical rights claims are invalid.
China, however, has refused to acknowledge the decision.