According to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, on September 25, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian paid a farewell courtesy call on Philippine President Marcos.
President Marcos highly commended Ambassador Huang's active efforts in stabilizing Philippines-China relations during his tenure. He stated that although current Philippines-China relations face challenges due to the South China Sea issue, both sides have managed the situation through diplomatic dialogue. The South China Sea issue does not define the entirety of Philippines-China relations, and disputes over the South China Sea should not define bilateral ties. The Philippines is committed to working with China through dialogue and consultation to manage differences and uphold regional peace and stability. The Taiwan issue is China's internal affair. The Philippines was among the first countries to recognize that there is only one China and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the entire country. The Philippines firmly adheres to the One-China policy. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. The current Philippine administration will continue to advance the diplomatic ties pioneered by my father, former President Marcos, and Chinese leaders, perpetuate Philippine-China friendship, and encourage enhanced dialogue and exchanges across all fields and levels, particularly in people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade cooperation.
Ambassador Huang expressed gratitude to President Marcos and the Philippine government for the convenience and assistance provided during his tenure. He concurred that the South China Sea disputes should not define China-Philippines relations, emphasizing that both sides should manage differences through dialogue and consultation while jointly safeguarding maritime tranquility and regional peace and stability. The Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, being entirely an internal affair of China. He urged the Philippines to honor its commitments, adhere to the One-China principle, and handle Taiwan-related matters prudently and appropriately. The 50-year journey since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines demonstrates that friendly neighborly relations serve the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, reflecting the mainstream public opinion and shared aspirations of both nations. China hopes the Philippines will work with China in a spirit of mutual understanding to bring bilateral relations back on track at an early date.