MINERVA BC NEWMAN
CEBU CITY — Consul General Zhang Zhen of the Chinese Consulate General in Cebu hosted a New Year Briefing and Reception to some members of the media and friends on January 14 at Waterfront Hotel, explaining the role of China in economic and technological advancements, global development and cooperation and addressing some misconceptions about China.
Consul General Zhang bared some of China’s notable achievements highlighting that the grain output has surpassed 700 million tons, a fast growth rate in solar energy of 30.3 percent and new energy vehicle manufacturing at 31.8 percent year-on-year.
China has also made significant technological advancements, including sending samples from the far side of the moon and exploring the deep ocean with the Mengxiang Drilling Vessel and the Antarctic Qinling Station which is now operational, showcasing China’s contributions to global scientific exploration.
Zhang said that China is opening up wider on high level. The restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing sector have been completely eliminated. More than 52,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were set up in the country in the first 11 months of 2024. It has provided zero tariff treatment for least developed countries with diplomatic ties and introduced unilateral visa waivers for 38 countries and 240-hour visa-free transit for 54 countries.
According to Zhang, China has hosted the International Import Export Fair for seven consecutive years with the Philippines securing $1.6 billion in export deals last year.
Efforts on global diplomatic relations, cooperation, peacekeeping
Chinese President Xi Jinping pushes China’s eight actions to support global development at the G20 Summit. China signed cooperation plans with 23 countries and the African Union for the construction of landmark and livelihood projects. China and Africa adopted 10 partnership actions to deepen cooperation and drive modernization in the Global South.
China’s goal for practicing diplomacy is to build a community with a shared future for mankind, emphasizing dialog and partnership over confrontation and alliances, Consul General Zhang said.
Zhang also mentions the good start of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, with visits from party and state leaders from Vietnam. The new Indonesian President visited China twice last year, she added, upgrading the four wheels of China-Indonesia cooperation to five pillars.
China and Malaysia celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the building of two countries’ twin parks while the China-Singapore all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership is full of vitality, and China’s traditional friendship with Laos and Cambodia has been strengthened.
Consul General Zhang shared China’s efforts in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating reconciliation dialog and delivering humanitarian assistance. China also mediated peace in Northern Myanmar and facilitated multiple peace talks among conflicting parties.
Zhang bared that China supported Afghanistan in building an inclusive political framework and realizing peace and reconstruction while also promoting the political resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue.
Addressing misconceptions about China
Consul Zhang said that it is necessary to address common misconceptions about China, such as whether Taiwan is an independent country and whether the Chinese Communist Party is autocratic.
She reiterated that the one-China principle is the basis for China’s diplomatic relations with 183countries including the Philippines. Zhang reminds the media to use correct terminology when reporting on Taiwan, such as “Taiwan region of China” , “Taiwan province of China”, or “Chinese Taiwan”, “China’s Taiwan”.
“The mission of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is to pursue happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. The CCP’s governance is judged by whether it benefits the general public, with a people-centered philosophy guiding economic and social development,” Zhang added.
According to Consul General Zhang, China has never provoked a conflict, started a proxy war, or occupied an inch of any other country’s land. The country is a builder of world peace and a defender of international order, standing the test of history against baseless accusations.
China-PH relations and prospects
China and the Philippines have maritime differences, but China has always insisted on managing and addressing the differences through dialogue and consultation. China has maintained self-restraint, and at the same time will take resolute measures against provocations, and safeguard China’s rights and interests.
Bringing in the US Typhon missile system , a strategic offensive weapon, is provocative and dangerous. Asia is in need of peace and prosperity, not confrontation or conflicts. Consul General Zhang explained.
She emphasized the importance of properly managing differences between China and the Philippines to achieve Win-Win cooperation. The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines in 2025 is an opportunity to review the commitments and strengthen bilateral ties.
She said that China welcomes Filipinos to visit, study, and work in China, with significant reductions in visa fees and visa-free entry to Hainan Island. She appeals to encouraging mutual understanding as well as enhancing friendship between the two peoples.
