Philippines, China mark 41 years of diplomatic ties

Manila and Beijing marked their 41st year of diplomatic relations on Thursday, June 9, as President-elect Rodrigo Duterte – seen as friendlier to China than incumbent President Benigno Aquino III – prepares to assume the presidency on June 30. Amid tension between the two countries arising from maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, former Philippine ambassador Alberto Encomienda said he sees early positive directions in bilateral relation. For one, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua was “among the first to call on the president-elect” and was quick to show goodwill by allowing Filipino fishermen to fish in the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

Read more about what others had to say on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries on Rappler.