New Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that he wants to pursue a more “comprehensive, strategic, and cooperative relations” with Manila.
“The streets are full of Christmas atmosphere at this time in Manila. This is my first Christmas as Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, and I extend my sincere greetings to the people of the Philippines. Christmas is a festival of peace and joy, and one of the most important festivals to the Filipino family, and also a wonderful moment of family reunion,” Xilian said in a statement.
The Chinese Ambassador also acknowledged that Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season peacefully and happily.
“Respecting and protecting freedom of religious belief is the Chinese government’s basic policy on religion. China’s Constitution and related laws fully guarantee citizens’ freedom of religious belief. The Chinese government will, as always, respect and guarantee the freedom of religious belief of citizens, and strive to build the country into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and with a sound environment,” the ambassador said.
The country and Beijing will also celebrate its 45th year of diplomatic relations in 2020.
The new ambassador says next year’s celebration will be made of “political visits to economic cooperation, from cultural events to think tank exchanges.”
“I look forward to working closely with my Filipino friends to further promote the China-Philippine relations and bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries,” Xilian added.
