‘Difficulties between Phl, China just temporary hardships’

MANILA, Philippines - The Chinese embassy in Manila on Monday said China believes the current difficulties in its relations with the Philippines are just “temporary” hardships compared to the two countries’ long-standing friendship.

Embassy Charge d’Affaires Sun Xiangyang said the sound development of Philippines-China relations serves the long-term interests of both countries.

“As close neighbors, China and the Philippines have enjoyed friendly exchanges for over a thousand years. Although currently there are some difficulties in our bilateral relations, we believe these are just temporary hardships compared to our millennium-long friendship,” Sun said at the Chinese New Year reception at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

“The Chinese side is always ready to work with the Philippine side to overcome the obstacles in our relationship,” he said.

Sun said 2013 was significant for China because of the robust development of its economy “against the backdrop of the complicated and volatile global environment.”

He said more progress was achieved in social stability, helping improve the well-being of the people.

Sun said China, as a responsible member of international society, is dedicated to developing friendly and cooperative relations with all countries and is firmly committed to international equity and justice.

He said people in China believe that 2014 – the Year of the Horse – would be a good year.

He said the horse symbolizes endeavor and wisdom, and endurance to bear difficult situations in a tireless manner.