President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with Chinese President Hu Jintao during the welcome ceremonies at the Great Hall of the People on 1 September 2004.

Overview of Philippines-China Relations

The Philippines and China established diplomatic relations on 9 June 1975 with the signing of the Joint Communiqué by leaders of the two countries. Since then bilateral relations between the two countries have developed steadily despite some difficulties. Both countries have maintained high level contacts and exchanges.

Several major bilateral agreements were signed between the two countries over the years, such as: 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); and Treaty on Mutual Judicial Assistance on Criminal Matters (2000). In May 2000, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the two countries signed a Joint Statement defining the framework of bilateral relations in the 21st century.

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have significantly progressed in recent years. The growing bilateral relations were highlighted by the state visit to China of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 29-31 October 2001. During the visit, President Arroyo held bilateral talks with top Chinese leaders, namely President Jiang Zemin, NPC Chairman Li Peng, and Premier Zhu Rongji. President Arroyo also attended the 9th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting held in Shanghai on 20-21 October 2001, where she also had bilateral talks with President Jiang.

According to President Arroyo, her state visit to China has raised the level of Philippines-China relationship to a more mature and enduring level. She said that the visit has brought the Philippines closer to the emerging economic center of gravity of Asia and the world. During President Arroyo's visit, eight important bilateral agreements were signed, namely:

1. Treaty on Extradition
2. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime
3. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation Against Illicit Traffic and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals
4. Exchange of Notes on the Establishment of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai
5. Financial Protocol Between the Department of Finance and the China National Construction and Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corporation
6. Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Sports Commission and the State General Administration of Sports of China on Sports Cooperation
7. Cooperation Agreement between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
8. Memorandum of Understanding between the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. and the All-China Federation of Industry

LIST OF PHILIPPINES-CHINA BILATERAL AGREEMENTS 1975-2005

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA