Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda F. Basilio received on 24 April 2013 three representatives from China Daily, the first English-language newspaper established in the People’s Republic of China.

 

Mr. Sun Shangwu, the China News Editor of China Daily, informed Ambassador Basilio of the newspaper’s plans to launch a Manila Bureau within the year, as part of its continuing efforts to expand coverage globally and to build a better communication bridge between China and the Philippines.

 

Mr. Sun briefed the Ambassador on the beginnings of China Daily in 1981 and its growing presence in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.  He updated the Philippine Embassy on their plans to provide wider news coverage on Southeast Asia and ASEAN.

 

Ambassador Basilio enthusiastically welcomed the plan of China Daily to open a news bureau in Manila, and shared with China Daily the high regard placed by Philippine society on the media in the Philippines, both domestic and foreign.  

 

Ambassador Basilio encouraged China Daily to know the Philippines in a deeper way, saying that “Media are not only purveyors of the news, but also serve society in a more noble way by educating and informing the people.”  She added, “You should go beyond the headlines.  It will be good to have people who understand the dynamics of events.  Sometimes, what we think is a mountain may only be a bump on the road.”

 

She also recounted her personal experiences with the dynamic and friendly media representatives in the Philippines, especially those who cover foreign relations events and developments.

 

After briefing China Daily on the attractions of being an expatriate in the Philippines, Ambassador Basilio said that the Philippines is a good place to do journalism, as Filipinos are open, and the local press are very active and accessible.

 

The Ambassador stressed the importance the Philippines places on its bilateral relations with China, and the many efforts which the Philippine side exerts to bring about closer relations between our two nations, most especially in the economic and business spheres where we hope to witness the fruition of the “Golden Age of Economic Partnership”.  Towards this end, Ambassador Basilio highlighted the critical role played by media in enhancing mutual trust and understanding, and in paving the way for closer interaction and friendship between our peoples.