China hosts friendship dinner

MANILA, Philippines - People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao, hosted recently a dinner-conference for officers of the Association for Philippine-China Understanding (APCU) to discuss ways to promote “people-to-people” friendship between the two nations.

According to Jesus Cham, chairman of APCU, the conferees reaffirmed their commitment to the “five pillars of cooperation” between the two countries, namely education, health, culture, tourism and youth and sports.

These “five pillars” were enunciated in an earlier forum attended by delegates from China and some ASEAN countries whose officers also attended the dinner-conference.

Cham said as main vehicle for this people-to-people friendship, the conference agreed to accelerate sisterhood agreements between cities of China and ASEAN nations.

Aside from Liu, those who attended the conference were deputy chief of mission and political counselor Bai Tian, embassy first secretary and head of political section Li Yongsheng, embassy third secretary Sun Xiaolin who represented China, and Cham, honorary chairman Lorenzo Ku, vice-chairman for internal affairs Rachy Cuna, vice chairman for external affairs Santos Co, director Cua Ching Tam, chairman emeritus Ceferino Benedicto who representated APCU.

Also in attendance were Charito Planas, founder of APCU, president Joie Joya Baldovino, ex-officio president Lynn Sunico, chairman Emeritus Marietta Goco.