Cayetano urges PHL, China to plan 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano called on both the Philippine and Chinese governments to prepare for the 50th anniversary of both countries' diplomatic relations.

"I propose that we learn from China’s experience in planning. In 2025, we will be more than neighbors, and we can celebrate our long relationship with China," Cayetano said.

This was the Speaker's proposal to Wang Ning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, during a courtesy call on Friday at the House of Representatives.

“We hope to strengthen the political relationship of the Philippines with the Communist Party of China and the People’s Congress,” Cayetano said.

Wang, for his part, echoed the speaker's statement saying that the Philippines was an old friend of China.

“How we address each other expresses how close our countries are,” Wang said.

He also extended an invitation to Cayetano to visit China next year. “We look forward to working with you. This visit will contribute to our diplomatic relations.”

Wang also mentioned that, in 2020, China and the Philippines would be celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Cayetano also expressed his gratitude to China for the increase in tourists and imports through their efforts as well as the concessionary loans they had given to the Philippines for the completion of infrastructure projects that were continuously benefiting the Filipino people.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian had joined Wang for the courtesy call.

The House contingent was composed of Deputy Speakers Raneo Abu (2nd District, Batangas) and Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. (2nd District, Camarines Sur), Committee on Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy Vice Chairperson Rep. Samantha Louise Vargas Alfonso (2nd District, Cagayan), Secretary General Atty. Jose Luis Montales, Office of the Speaker Deputy Secretary General Atty. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, and Sergeant-at-Arms Ret. Police Lieutenent General Ramon Colet Apolinario. — John Ted Cordero/DVM, GMA News