MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese embassy in Manila yesterday thanked Vice President Sara Duterte, former president and now House Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Sen. Imee Marcos and other Filipino friends for mourning the passing of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian expressed gratitude to Philippine government officials who paid their respects to China’s former leader.
Yesterday, Duterte paid her respect to and mourned the passing of Jiang at the Chinese embassy in Manila.
Huang said the Vice President visited the photo wall of China-Philippines friendship at the embassy and recollected historic moments of Jiang’s engagement with Philippine leaders and people.
He quoted Duterte as saying that Jiang was a visionary leader who dedicated his life and work to his country and people.
“His outstanding contributions and effective governance led to China’s economic transformation and deeper engagement with the broader international community,” Duterte said.
“The Filipino people will remember his achievements in forging closer bilateral ties between the Philippines and China,” she added.
Phenomenal economic growth
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo also expressed his condolences over the death of Jiang, saying the leader oversaw China’s phenomenal economic growth and stability.
“I extend my most heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin, who oversaw China’s phenomenal economic growth and stability. At this time of national mourning in China, I share with the Chinese people our deepest sympathies,” Manalo said in a message on Twitter.
Manalo signed the Book of Condolences at the Chinese embassy for the death of the former leader, who came to power after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.
A Chinese Communist Party statement said Jiang died of leukemia and multiple organ failure. – Pia Lee-Brago