On 7 February 2017, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), met with H.E. Mr. Zhao Jianhua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines in Manila. Mr. Yu Jun, Director of the Political Section of the Embassy, and Mr. Zhang Xuehai, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Division of ACC attended the meeting.
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping spoke highly of the important contribution and fruitful outcomes made by the Chinese Embassy in promoting Philippines-China and ASEAN-China relations. She expressed her gratitude for the long time support rendered to ACC by the Embassy and briefed on the work plan of ACC in 2017, which marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation. She said ACC would actively implement the 19 flagship projects approved by the Joint Council of ACC, further strengthen cooperation with the Embassy and jointly carry out the activities to be held in the Philippines.
Ambassador Zhao Jianhua commended ACC's achievements in promoting ASEAN-China practical cooperation, and mentioned the recent development of China-Philippines relations. He said that the successful meetings between the heads of state of China and the Philippines opened up a new chapter in the bilateral relations. Both sides have maintained close communication to actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders. As the chair of ASEAN, the Philippines will hold a series of meetings related to East Asia cooperation in 2017. China would actively participate in and support the Philippines in holding the meetings. As an inter-governmental organization co-founded by China and 10 ASEAN countries, ACC plays a unique role in promoting friendly cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between both sides. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines would continue to support ACC and jointly advance the development of China-Philippines and China-ASEAN relations.