MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met with China’s National People’s Congress chairman Li Zhanshu in a bid to strengthen the relationship between Manila and Beijing.

During the meeting, which was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Marcos stated the need to raise the level of cooperation between China and the Philippines, particularly as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

The strong connection between the two countries has become more and more infinite as time goes on, the President said, highlighting the increasing trade and economic cooperation between the Philippines and China.

President Marcos told Li that their two countries must look upon the next few years as years of opportunity and that the two nations have been given an opportunity to remake their global economy together under a new normal.

According to the Philippine leader, he always believes that the relationship in the next few years will be partnerships that will stabilize and strengthen both economies to be able to face various challenges.

And with China being involved in government-to-government cooperation with the Philippines and its private sector in trade and infrastructure programs, President Marcos said he hopes China will continue to invest in the Philippines.

Although there are some disagreements, Marcos said the two countries must not allow them to be “the sum” of their relationship.

The relationship must extend to commerce, culture, education, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges, the President stressed.

President Marcos said his meeting with the officials and with the President of China “reaffirm our commitment to the friendship between the Philippines and China.”

The meeting was also aimed at reaffirming the Philippines’ policy to continue to strengthen that relationship and to consider the strategic partnership not only for the Philippines and for China but for the entire region of the Asia Pacific.

President Marcos expressed his gratitude to Li for the hospitality that China has shown to him and the members of his delegation.

Among those who accompanied the chief executive were First Lady Louise Araneta- Marcos, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Imee Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo. (PND)