As the year 2022 marks the 47th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, the Chinese Consulate General in Davao and Lyceum of the Philippines-Davao’s Philippines-China Society jointly organized a hybrid online and offline forum entitled “Celebrating Time-tested Friendship and Cooperation” on April 20. This forum was also the 5th China Hour of LPU Davao Philippines-China Society, which has been active in playing a role in promoting mutual understanding between peoples especially young people of the two countries since its establishment in March 2021. 

As the keynote speaker, Consul General Li Lin reviewed the warm and cordial bilateral relations of the two countries during his discussion. He said that even though the bilateral relations had experienced ups and downs due to the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the good-neighborly relations were significantly maintained due to the wisdom of the leaders and peoples of the two countries, which focused on the wider and more comprehensive areas for win-win cooperation. He further provided a brief review of the bilateral economic and trade cooperation projects in recent years, as concrete examples of mutual benefits felt by the people. He also mentioned the recent phone conversation of President Xi Jinping with President Rodrigo Duterte, during which President Xi stressed that China would maintain the continuity and stability in its policy towards the Philippines, and would stand ready to join hands and work with the Philippine side to constantly elevate China-Philippines relations to new heights by promoting sustained and sound development. 

LPU-Davao Vice President Dr. Felipe Balingit Jr. also delivered a message as the main speaker. He shared the current bilateral relationship and practical cooperation of China and the Philippines with the focus on synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and Build Build Build Program. He also expressed LPU Davao’s commitment to actively promoting mutual understanding, especially in the young peoples between the two countries.