Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day 2023 (Philippines): History and More

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day is annually observed on June 9. This day commemorates the cordial relationship between the Philippines and China. It coincides with the day official diplomatic relations were established between the Philippines and China. In 2002, Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day was established by Proclamation No. 148, which was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Both nations share a great deal of history, traditions, and culture. On this day, every Filipino and Chinese citizen, whether in the country or abroad, is encouraged to strengthen ties with their counterparts.

HISTORY OF FILIPINO-CHINESE FRIENDSHIP DAY

At the beginning of the 1970s, the Philippines began to contemplate establishing better relations with China because they believed it would greatly benefit both nations. A few years later, on June 9, 1975, the leaders of both countries signed the Joint Communiqué to establish diplomatic relations. Filipino-Chinese relations have been developed progressively for over 47 years. In all spheres of bilateral cooperation, they have obtained a prosperous development and remarkable accomplishments.

Several significant bilateral agreements have been signed between China and the Philippines over the years. The Joint Trade Agreement was signed after diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. The Joint Trade Agreement was created in 1975 and is still in effect. The Postal Agreement and the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement were signed in 1978 to facilitate the shipment of products and the development of technology.

China and the Philippines signed the Air Services Agreement and the Cultural Agreement in 1979 to further strengthen their relationship. The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement was then signed in 1992.

A few years later, in 1999, both administrations were pleased to sign the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation, and the Tax Agreement. In May of 2000, on the brink of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, both nations signed a Joint Statement. This established the foundation for bilateral relations in the twenty-first century.

Five NOTABLE CHINESE-FILIPINOS

Carlene Ang Aguilar-Ocampo

Carlene Ang Aguilar-Ocampo is a Filipino-Chinese actress and former Miss Philippines Earth who was crowned in 2001.

Andrew Lim Tan

Andrew Lim Tan is a Chinese-Filipino entrepreneur involved in the real estate, spirits and fast food industries.

Alfonso A. Uy

Alfonso A. Uy is the first president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry and owns numerous enterprises in Iloilo.

Tan Yu

Tan Yu was a Chinese-Filipino industrialist and philanthropist who established the Asiaworld Internationale Group and the K.T.T.I. Foundation. The foundation was a charitable organisation that supported and awarded scholarships to young students.

Bam Aquino

Bam Aquino is a politician and social entrepreneur from the Philippines who served as a senator from 2013 to 2019.