CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan: Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando were guests at the opening ceremony of the Online Mandarin Training Course of the Bulacan State University (BulSU) on Friday. The Chinese envoy tackled the beauty of the Chinese language, renewed the thousand-year-old friendship of both countries and jointly wrote a new chapter of China-Philippine relations. The training event was organized by the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Confucius Institute at BulSU through online streaming. The Confucius Institute at BulSU, the second of its kind in the Philippines, was formally launched on Feb. 28, 2009. The first one was established at the Ateneo de Manila University. Huang noted the relevance and significance of learning Chinese language, being a bridge of communication, cooperation and mutual understanding, to forging closer comprehensive strategic cooperation with the Philippines in the new era and vice versa. He said enhancing mutual understanding and amity between China and the Philippines has proved to be responsive to the common aspirations of the two Asian neighbors, and also in line with the trend of the times. The Chinese official also expressed his appreciation for advocates and enthusiasts of Chinese language learning in the Philippines and wished the students to enjoy the beauty of Chinese, make achievements in the course and put to good use of what they acquire. He encouraged more Filipino friends to learn Chinese and see a true, multidimensional and panoramic China with their own eyes so as to become active supporters, contributors and beneficiaries of China-Philippine friendship and mutual learning. Joining the ambassador and the Bulacan governor at the opening ceremony were BulSU president Cecilia Navasero-Gascon, chairman Corina Bautista and Victor Mendoza of BCCI. Fernando pointed out the importance of the Chinese community to local society and China as a global economic and trading partner to the Philippines, including Bulacan. He thanked all parties involved in the training course, which he said is essential to getting to know China.