In the southeast part of China lies a province of pastoral landscapes, bountiful rice paddies, flowing rivers and picturesque mystical mountains.
There are children everywhere, some roaming around the banks of Yangtze and some strolling around the vast expanse of greenery.
It’s a place called Jiangxi and is centered on the Gan River valley which historically provided the main north-south transport route of south China.
I haven’t been to the province, but I saw vignettes of life there through a photo exhibit which opened recently at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The exhibition showed dozens of photos to show Jiangxi’s ancient culture, green ecology and rich tourism resources.
What’s the relevance of all these? I asked Theresa Dizon De Vega, chief coordinator and OIC of the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Administration.
She said it’s important to know that the Philippines-China relations aren’t defined by just the geopolitical dispute over the South China Sea.
Instead, she said, there are so many more aspects that should define the country’s relations with China.
It’s a valid point and during the opening ceremony, Jiangxi vice governor Wu Zhongqiong emphasized the same thing.
“From ancient time till now, China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors and the friendship between the two peoples has enjoyed a long history. Last month, Chinese President XI Jinping paid a state visit to the Philippines, talked with President Duterte and decided to establish a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship between China and the Philippines which opens a new chapter in Sino-Philippine cooperation,” she said.
The Chinese official added that in recent years, with the in-depth implementation of the “Belt and Road initiative,” the cooperation between Jiangxi and Philippines in the fields of economy, trade, culture, and tourism has become increasingly close and the friendship between the two country has further deepened.
Wu also highlighted the beauty of Jiangxi, saying that it is the only province adjacent to the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta and the Southeast Fujian Delta. All three areas are the most developed areas in China.
“Jiangxi is a wonderful place. We sincerely hope that the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship between China and the Philippines will serve as a new starting point for strengthening cooperation and exchanges and achievement of common prosperity and development,” Wu said in her welcome speech.
Chinese diplomacy
Witnessing such a friendly and positive occasion with officials from both the Philippines and China, I found it difficult to imagine the two countries are locked in a territorial dispute.
But there’s no denying it and the issue has yet to be addressed. I do hope we get closer to resolving it this year.
Amidst all the tensions, it’s worth noting that Chinese diplomacy has significantly improved through the years.
I’ve covered the foreign affairs department in the past and I’ve never seen Chinese diplomats led by Philippine Ambassador Zhao Jianhua as friendly as they are now.
One of the friendly diplomats I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is Chinese embassy spokesperson Ethan Sun Yi who, unfortunately, will soon end his tour of duty here.
Who will I bother next, Ethan? But then again, I can only say farewell. Congratulations on your successful assignment in the Philippines and best of luck to you on your next post.
Airport chaos
Reacting to my column on the airport chaos during the Christmas season, a reader said it’s chaos the whole year round.