Marcos Jr. recalls first China visit, marks 50 years of PH-China ties

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reflected on the nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, recalling his first visit to the country as a teenager in 1974.

During his 1974 visit, Marcos and his mother, Imelda Marcos, had the opportunity to meet and be photographed with Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.

President Xi Jinping presented Marcos with another copy of this significant photograph during Marcos' recent state visit to China from January 4 to 5.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations were officially established in June 1975 through a Joint Communiqué signed by then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and Premier Zhou Enlai.

An official from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) stated that Marcos Jr.'s state visit was a "very significant" move to deepen these ties.

The FFCCCII official anticipates that the visit will deepen cooperation not only economically but also in other areas.

Marcos views the strengthening of Philippines-China relations as both a "responsibility" and a "privilege."