Representative Al Francis Bichara, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs at the House of Representatives, led the Philippine delegation to China’s official launch of the 2012-2013 Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE) in Beijing, which was hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario earlier led the Philippines’ launching of the  YFE at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 20 March 2012.

Joining Rep. Bichara were Rep. Ma. Zenaida B. Angping, vice chair of the Committee on Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, with spouse and former Rep. Harry Angping, and Rep. Julieta R. Cortuna, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Director Aileen Mendiola-Rau of the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs of the DFA were also part of the delegation.

High-ranking Chinese officials, led by former Foreign Minister of China and now Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress Li Zhaoxing, prominent Filipino and Chinese business personalities, top academic and cultural figures, as well as members of the media attended the official reception/launch of the YFE in China at the Peace Palace in Beijing on Wednesday, 11 April.

In his speech during the launch, Chairman Li Zhaoxing noted the friendly relationship between the two countries since ancient times and highlighted the family ties that bind the two countries as manifested by the Chinese ancestry of many prominent Filipinos as well as the birth in Quezon Province of General Ye Fei, one of China’s most illustrious  military heroes. Chairman Li extolled the contribution of both sides over the past 37 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which has resulted in tangible mutual benefits in terms of trade and tourism exchanges.

Mr. Wang Yingfan, former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, said he was honored to be the first president of the China-Philippines Friendship Association and expressed his commitment to making the a bridge for people-to-people exchanges in various fields during his term. He added, “I may not have Philippine blood but I consider myself half-Filipino because of my special feelings for the Philippines.”  

Rep. Bichara, for his part, said, “The Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges is a clear demonstration of the two countries’ commitment to further foster goodwill and build amity amidst the enduring friendship between the Philippines and China. 

"Neighbors, friends, and partners” was how Rep. Bichara characterized the relationship as he noted the milestones in government-to-government relations, business partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed the Philippines’ desire for a dynamic relationship with China “whose essential ingredients are lasting peace, friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and dialogue.”  Please click here for the full text of the speech of Rep. Bichara.

Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Alex G. Chua of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing said that the Philippines and China have been steadfast friends over centuries.  He added that “this friendship is one which has survived the upheavals of revolutions and wars of liberation, and will transcend the vagaries of time and circumstance.” He stressed how important the YFE is to remind future generations of the long-shared history of the Philippines and China.  Please click here for the full text of the speech of CDA Chua. .