Tomorrow, Oct. 1, is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRoC). Official celebrations will be held, including an inspection of troops on Tiananmen Square by President Hu Jintao.

Various state-organized festivities such as concerts, parades, and fireworks are some of the main events during the celebration. The Tiananmen Square in Beijing will be richly decorated to capture the festivity theme.

The Philippines and China established diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975, with the signing of a joint communiquê by leaders of the two countries. Bilateral relations between China and the Philippines have been active and cordial, with many high-level contacts and exchanges in the past several years.

In 2001, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s visit to China provided opportunity for pursuing areas of cooperation and encouraging China’s positive role in the region.

During another state visit of President Arroyo to China in 2004, President Hu indicated China’s strong interest to partner with Philippine firms in the mining of minerals such as copper, nickel, and manganese. Since then, Chinese firms have been invited to consider an investment of US$7 billion for 23 project offers in the mining sector.

During the Philippines-China Friendship Dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing last year, Chinese Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister He Yafei stated that Philippines-China relations had seen tremendous progress in the last 33 years and will continue to prosper for the benefit, not only of the two countries, but also of the region.

We congratulate the people and government of China led by H.E., President Hu Jintao, and its Embassy in the Philippines headed by H.E., Ambassador Liu Jianchao, on the occasion of their National Day. We wish them success in all of their endeavors.