Cebu celebrates China-PH Friendship Day

CEBU CITY – Some 230 guests from the local governments of Cebu, business sector, friends, media and digital influencers celebrated with Consul General Zhang Zhen and officials of the Chinese Consulate General in Cebu City, the China-Philippines Friendship Day, in a dinner and cultural presentations, June 9 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Consul Zhen, in her opening message highlighted the significance of the 24th China-Philippines Friendship Day, noting its historical context and reflected on the original aspirations of diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of history in guiding future relations.

“We should cherish the hard-won Peace in Asia and the enduring bonds we inherited, neighborliness and friendship serve the fundamental interests of our two peoples and two nations,” Concul Zhen said.

Zhen emphasized the unbreakable bond between the two nations due to geographical and historical ties, likening the relationship to that of close teammates.  She underscored the need for mutual trust and cooperation, particularly in the context of global challenges, to create opportunities for shared prosperity and peace.

Nowadays, globalization is suffering heavy growth never seen before, she added and the values both countries pursue, such as peace, development and the win, win, cooperation, are severely challenged.   All countries are part of a global, committed community with a shared future, in the absence of mutual trust, programs may be amplified and cooperation may become impossible, Zhen added.

“China, and the Philippines have similar historical experiences and shared the same goal of securing stability for our countries and happiness for our peoples.  We should be included to all influences, bridge differences and expand the common ground and make the South China Sea a sea of peace, a sea of friendship and a sea of win-win cooperation and a common prosperity,” Zhen said.

Outgoing Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in her message, noted the significant Chinese population in Cebu, attributing it to intermarriages between Chinese traders and Filipinos. 

“The relationship is seen as a reaffirmation of centuries-old ties, with Chinese traders arriving in the Philippines as early as the 9th or 10th centuries. Cebu is unique in that it does not have a specific Chinatown but is considered a Chinatown in its entirety,” Garcia noted.

According to Garcia, the long-standing relationship, tracing it back to the arrival of Chinese merchants who exchanged goods and goodwill.  It evolved into a close-knit community, with intermarriages and blended cultures creating pillars of society.  She also highlighted the various partnerships built over the years in business, tourism, education, health, and the arts.

Garcia reaffirmed the friendship and partnership between the Philippines and China, despite challenges and disputes and described it as one built on history, sustained through people, and carried forward by hope.

“It is important to continue the conversations, connection and cooperation in moving forward between the two countries,” she said.