On January 17, the Fifth Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations was held online with the theme of 'Hand in Hand for a Stronger and Reinforced China-Philippines Friendship'. In January last year, State Councilor and Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi, and former President H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo jointly launched the Forum during his visit to the Philippines. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Forum and at the beginning of the New Year, we were honored to have State Councilor Wang Yi, H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and friends from the two countries for a reunion.

State Councilor Wang Yi delivered an inspiring and encouraging keynote speech in which he elaborated on China's foreign policy towards the Philippines, anchoring the course for the future development of our bilateral relations. Madame Fu Ying, Vice Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China's 13th National People's Congress and Former Vice Foreign Minister and Former Ambassador to the Philippines addressed the forum. Madame Fu shared a touching story about agriculture cooperation between China and the Philippines and her insights on China-Philippines friendship based on her own experience. Her in-depth discussions with our guests on topics such as managing differences and seeking common development were sincere and constructive. I believe that this Forum will surely usher in a new wave of China-Philippines friendship and a better future of China-Philippines relations.