Honorable APCU Chairman Atty. Raul Lambino, 1st Vice Chairman Mr. Jeffrey Ng, President Sixto “Noy” Benedicto, and other APCU officers,

Dear Keynote Speakers Dr. Clarita Carlos, Dr. Wu Shicun and Dr. Eduardo Araral,

Dear Panelists Amb. Rigoberto Tiglao, Dr. Yan Yan and Major General (Ret) Romeo V Poquiz,

Dear media friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

It gives great pleasure to join you at the 8th Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations. With rising uncertainty and destabilizing factors in our region, it is high time that this Forum was convened and panelists shared their insights on how differences should be managed and work be done to uphold peace and stability in our part of the world.

Indeed, there are differences between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue. However, as neighbors across a narrow strip of water, relations between China and the Philippines are more defined by peaceful coexistence for over a thousand years and will continue to be so in the future. Friendship is always the main stream of our bilateral relations.

During the 7th meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held last month in Manila, our two countries discussed ways to handle maritime differences. The Chinese side has put forth several new initiatives, including establishing a common fishing zone, to enhance our practical cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

Read more:

http://ph.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/sgdt/202304/t20230416_11060060.htm