By Paterno Esmaquel II

March 6, 2015

"Marking 40 years of diplomatic ties with the Philippines, China trumpeted the "560 times growth" of trade between the two countries as disputes over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) threatened their relationship.

In a speech at the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua also hailed a recent meeting between the two countries' leaders as the start of a "fresh process" to boost their ties.

"We are destined to be friends and partners," Zhao said Tuesday, March 4, as he opened a traveling exhibit to mark the 40th anniversary of Philippine-China relations."

Read more:
http://www.rappler.com/nation/86001-china-philippines-diplomatic-relations-anniversary

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