President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has renewed his commitment to further bolster the Philippines’ relations with China.

This was after Marcos met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday.

“We welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Huang Xilian, in a courtesy call yesterday,” Marcos said in a Facebook post. “We are very grateful for the visit, and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples.”

Photos of Marcos’ meeting with Huang were also uploaded on the President’s official Facebook page.

Huang, for his part, said he was “greatly honored” to pay a courtesy call on Marcos.

Under the new administration, Huang expressed optimism that cooperation between China and the Philippines would further grow.

“We exchanged views on further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples. I’m fully confident that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Marcos, China-Philippines relationship will further grow and achieve more benefits in the years to come,” he said Thursday.

In May, Huang also met with Marcos to give the latter a congratulatory note on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping for winning the May 9, 2022 elections.

China, in its congratulatory note, conveyed its intent to “bring the two countries(‘) Relationship of Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation to new heights.”

Marcos also had a meeting with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on June 30 and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on July 6.

He has promised to maintain the “strong relationship” between the Philippines and China.

Xi, in his congratulatory message to Marcos, has also pledged to improve the “strategic and long-term” bilateral ties between the two countries.

He also assured to continue the “great chapter of the China-Philippines friendship and cooperation for the new era.”

The Chinese government earlier invited Marcos to visit China.

Marcos accepted the invitation during his meeting with Wang but no date has been set. (PNA)