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RP-CHINA RELATIONS
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Overview of Philippines-China Relations
Source:
Philippine
Embassy, Beijing
The
Philippines and China established diplomatic relations on 9 June 1975 with
the signing of a Joint Communiqué by leaders of the two countries. Since
then, bilateral relations between the two countries have developed steadily
and multi-dimensionally.
Both
countries have maintained frequent high level contacts and exchanges of
visits at all levels in various sectors. Both sides also have consultation
and dialogue mechanisms which have contributed to the enhancement of
cooperation and the level of mutual trust and confidence.
Several
major
bilateral agreements were signed between the two countries over the
years. These include : Joint Trade Agreement (1975); Scientific and
Technological Cooperation Agreement (1978); Postal Agreement (1978); Air
Services Agreement (1979); Cultural Agreement (1979); Investment Promotion
and Protection Agreement (1992); Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation
(1999); Tax Agreement (1999); Treaty on Mutual Judicial Assistance on
Criminal Matters (2000); Extradition Treaty (2001); Agreement on Mutual Visa
Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports (2004);
and Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in Certain Areas of the
South China Sea by and between the Philippine National Oil Company and the
China National Offshore Oil Corporation. In May 2000, on the eve of the 25th
anniversary of diplomatic relations, foreign ministers of the two countries
signed a
Joint
Statement defining the framework of bilateral relations in the 21st
century.
The robust
state of bilateral relations is highlighted by the
state
visit to China of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 1-3
September 2004, and that of
Chinese
President Hu Jintao to the Philippines on 26-28 April 2005.
On 9 June
2005, the Philippines and China marked the 30th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Leaders of both
countries acknowledge that bilateral relations are entering a "golden age of
partnership."
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