MANILA, Philippines — Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying he is ready to build a “good working relationship” with the Philippine leader.
Xi expressed his congratulatory message in a letter addressed to Marcos Jr. dated May 11 which was given to the presumptive Philippine president during the visit of Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian.
“Delighted upon hearing your election as the President of the Republic of the Philippines, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes,” Xi said in the said letter.
“China and the Philippines are neighbors linked by the sea and partners that have stood together through hardships. In recent years, with the joint efforts from both sides, China-Philippines relationship has been strengthened and elevated, bringing benefits to the peoples of our two countries and making contributions to regional peace and stability,” he added.
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According to Xi, both China and the Philippines are “at a critical stage of development, posing important opportunities and broad prospects for our bilateral relations.”
“I highly value the development of China-Philippines relations,” he said.
“I am ready to build a good working relationship with you to preserve our good neighborliness, work for common development and deepen our Relationship of Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation so as to bring benefits to our two countries and two peoples,” he added.
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Xi wished Marcos Jr. good health and success in his new role.
“May the Republic of the Philippines be prosperous and its people enjoy happiness,” he said.
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