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The year 2020 is destined to be a special chapter in history. Due to the impact of the pandemic, people’s daily lives have been disrupted. The world is facing enormous changes.
October 1 of this year marks the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and is also the Mid-Autumn Festival (Mooncake Festival) on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. Although we couldn’t celebrate the festivals together in person as usual, I have still received greetings from many Filipino and Chinese friends. The warmth of the holidays is shared among friends.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with President Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese government has carried out scientific, rigorous and strict measures for virus prevention and control.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the international community, China has effectively contained the spread of the pandemic. Today, people’s lives have basically returned to normal. China’s growth returned to positive territory in the second quarter of this year. China will open its door further. Its large domestic market and the unleashing of potential in domestic demand will open up more space for other countries to cooperate with China and provide a more solid foundation for regional and global growth.
During the battle against the virus, the Chinese people have received sincere help and support from other countries and, in return, China has also helped the international community in its capacity. According to statistics, China sent 34 medical teams to 32 countries and provided pandemic assistance to 150 countries and four international organizations. There are 56 Chinese foreign aid medical teams that help the local community by providing technical advice and health education and training. Machines from all factories have been commissioned at full capacity to produce medical supplies and equipment for the world.
Since March, 15.15 billion masks, 1.4 billion protective suits and other medical supplies have been exported. This is by far the largest global humanitarian emergency operation in Chinese history, which is also a vivid manifestation of building a global community of health for all.
It’s times like these that friendships really matter. China and the Philippines have always fought side by side against the pandemic in recent months. The long-standing friendship has deepened in our joint struggle, which will be a milestone in the history of exchanges between the two countries.
During China’s toughest times against the pandemic, President Duterte, former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Singson, and many other government officials expressed concern and encouragement as we “support China.” On top of that, other sectors, including the Filipino-Chinese community, made monetary donations and donated other necessary materials to China. And what impressed me the most is the video for the song, “May the world be filled with love”, recorded by teachers and students from Paoay National High School in Ilocos Norte last February. In truth, love is the support for all of us who go through these difficult times.
Similarly, when the situation in the Philippines became critical, the Chinese government, businesses, and non-governmental organizations provided batches of medical supplies and sent medical experts to help the Philippines overcome the challenge.
Friendship counts most during these difficult times. In northern Luzon, Ilocos Norte received 4 tons of medical supplies from Shandong province and the Chinese consulate in Laoag. Ilocos Sur received masks from companies in Hubei province and rice from the Consulate. Pangasinan received masks from the Sichuan province and rice from the Consulate. La Unión, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, City of Baguio, City of Santiago also received food aid from the Consulate.
In addition, the city of Baguio cooperated with the Huawei company to improve technical support in diagnosis and treatment, which helped Baguio to become a national model in pandemic control. Other Chinese companies and Filipino-Chinese communities also donated large amounts of products to the region. As the Chinese proverb says, “actions always speak louder than words.”
In recent years, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, relations between the two countries have undergone a turn, a consolidation, and have entered a new “Golden Age.” This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. The leaders of the two states have exchanged phone calls and maintained close communication through various channels.
China’s “Belt and Road” initiative is closely aligned with the Philippines “Build, Build, Build” program, and several practical cooperation projects have been carried out and revived in an orderly manner. These projects will not only help promote local economic recovery, but can also improve people’s livelihoods and provide employment for people.
China has always regarded Filipinos as good friends, good partners, and good neighbors. Any conspiracy theory or attempt to provoke Sino-Philippine relations, or smear China will be doomed to failure.
No matter how long the night lasts, the dawn will always break. We are excited to hear about advances in vaccine research around the world. And we are pleased to see the consensus reached by the leaders of China and the Philippines on China’s willingness to prioritize the Philippines in a vaccine, and the upcoming launch of Phase III clinical trials of Chinese vaccines in the Philippines. We are fully confident that the Philippines will overcome the pandemic and resume normal economic and social life soon.
With the great changes in the world, uncertainties are increasing. Although there are challenges, the future is still full of hope. For the dual celebration of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, we sincerely wish China all the best, and may the people enjoy peace and prosperity.
May China and the Philippines continue to work in solidarity and love. I wish you all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! (Zhou Youbin, Consul and Postmaster, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag)
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