The Philippine Embassy in Beijing hosted a diplomatic reception in celebration of the 117^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China on Tuesday evening, 09 June 2015, at the Imperial Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Beijing, in partnership with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi led the delegation from the CPAFFC. The guest of honor was Major General Xiao Xiaoming, Director General of the Air Force Command College at the Ministry of National Defense, accompanied by Senior Colonel Liu Zhongbin, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the MND, and other MND officials. 

A cocktail reception was held at the foyer leading to the ballroom prior to the reception proper, where the Pagkain exhibit of Filipino food was displayed. Guests were served cocktail drinks and Filipino hors d’oeuvres such as mini lumpiang Shanghai rolls, adobo flakes on toast, empanaditas, and biko and maja blanca squares.

In the remarks of Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda F. Basilio, she spoke about the significance of the two important milestones being celebrated:  the 117^th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence and the 40^th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Communiqué which established diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. Ambassador Basilio highlighted the Philippines’ recent achievements, particularly in the economic front, and spoke about how the Philippines’ cooperation with China and other neighbors and partners in many facets have made many of these achievements possible. She expressed appreciation to the CPAFFC for partnering with the Embassy in this event.

In CPAFFC Vice President Mme. Lin Yi’s remarks, she said that “Philippines-China relations have enjoyed overall development with continuous expansion of cooperation in various fields.” She said that in line with the commitment of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Government to develop relations with neighboring countries, the CPAFFC will continue to work to unite friends from all sectors in China and the Philippines. 

Chinese violinist Ms. Liu Yang, a musicology graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music of China with special focus on Philippine music, performed the Chinese song "Butterfly Lovers" and a Filipino lullaby. Her violin performance was followed by a lively dance number by selected student-members of the Philippines-China Friendship Club replicating the street dancing during the Masskara Festival.