China eyes stronger economic ties with Philippines

CEBU, Philippines — China is seeking to deepen its economic partnership with the Philippines, with a renewed focus on trade, investment, technology and infrastructure cooperation as Beijing enters a new phase of its long-term development strategy, Chinese Consul General to the Philippines Zhang Zhen said.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Mandarin Hotel Cebu yesterday, Zhang highlighted China’s continued role as a major driver of global growth and pointed to opportunities for closer collaboration with Southeast Asian economies, including the Philippines and key regional hubs such as Cebu.

China’s economy surpassed the 140 trillion-yuan ($19.5 trillion) mark in 2025, posting around 5 percent growth, as the country concluded its 14th Five-Year Plan, a milestone in its modernization drive.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) smart infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing have strengthened China’s position as a global innovation center, Zhang said, while expanded social programs and public services have supported long-term domestic stability.

With the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Beijing is accelerating institutional opening-up and expanding cooperation with regional partners, particularly within ASEAN.

The new blueprint emphasizes advanced manufacturing, green energy, digital trade and cross-border e-commerce — sectors where the Philippines is well-positioned to benefit, according to Zhang.

“The new five-year plan is not only a bridge for China’s next stage of development, but also a platform for deeper, win-win cooperation with neighboring countries,” Zhang said.

“From smart logistics and digital trade to clean energy and technology partnerships, China-ASEAN cooperation is entering a new phase of higher-quality growth,” she added.

Cebu, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regional economies, stands to gain from expanded engagement in tourism, infrastructure, technology and trade services, as China looks to strengthen commercial links with major provincial growth centers.

Improved connectivity, green development projects and business-to-business exchanges could support Cebu’s role as a regional gateway for investment and innovation.

China has also pledged to create a more transparent and predictable business environment, granting broader market access and national treatment to foreign-funded firms as part of efforts to attract global capital and integrate more closely with regional supply chains.

Zhang said China remains committed to promoting multilateralism, fair trade and sustainable development, positioning economic cooperation as a key pillar of its diplomatic engagement with the Philippines.

“Together, we can build a future where innovation bridges borders and shared growth benefits all,” she said.

On Jan. 26, Ambassador Jing Quan met separately with Governor Pam Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival in Cebu. The two sides exchanged views on a range of issues of common concern, stressing the importance of resuming political dialogue, facilitating economic and trade cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges for mutual benefit.

They also agreed to work together to combat crimes targeting Chinese nationals and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines, as well as the local Filipino-Chinese community. — (FREEMAN)