30 May 2023 – Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz received Princess Jacel Kiram who was on a trip to Beijing, China from 27 to 29 May 2023. She is a descendant of Sultan Paduka Pahala of the ancient Sulu Sultanate in modern day Philippines.

Historical records show that Sultan Paduka Pahala visited China in 1417 but tragically died when he was in Dezhou, Shandong. In his honor, the Chinese Ming Emperor designated a burial site in said city where it still stands today serving as an important monument to Philippine-Chinese cultural ties.

Ambassador FlorCruz and other Philippine Embassy officials met with Princess Kiram and exchanged ideas about the role of the said ancient Filipino-Chinese historical connection and how it represents the long interaction between the two countries. With the Philippine Embassy’s assistance, Princess Kiram met with representatives from the city government of Dezhou and discussed ideas on how to keep the spirit of Sultan Paduka Pahala’s visit alive in the memory of Filipino and Chinese peoples.

Princess Kiram presented a signed copy of the commemorative book titled “The Bridge of Sino-Philippines Friendship: Marking the 600th Anniversary of the Visit to China by the Sultan of Sulu” to Ambassador FlorCruz.