The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu hosted a grand celebration on  September 27 to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The event brought together overseas Chinese, Cebu’s Filipino-Chinese communities, business leaders, consular corps, and government officials, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, League of Municipalities of the Philippines Cebu Chapter president and Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan, and several other mayors from Cebu Province.

In her remarks, Zhang said the occasion was not only a moment of national pride for China but also “an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between our two sides.” She thanked Cebu’s leaders and communities for their long-standing support, saying, “I especially felt the genuine desire across the local society for closer cooperation between our two sides.”

In speech, she highlighted four key aspects of China’s development over the past decades. She noted China’s economic miracle, with more than 800 million people lifted out of poverty and a 5.3% GDP growth in the first half of this year, sustaining its role as a driver of global economic growth.

She also cited the country’s technological leap, pointing to advances from hybrid rice that feeds 20% of the world’s population to breakthroughs in AI, 5G, and renewable energy, where China now contributes 30% of global capacity.

On global development, Zhang highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative, which has brought infrastructure and trade opportunities to 152 countries, and South-South Cooperation programs that have benefited 120 developing nations. She recalled China’s quick disaster aid to the central Philippines, delivering funds, supplies, and on-ground support.

Lastly, she stressed China’s role as a guardian of peace and international order, deploying over 40,000 peacekeepers—the most among UN Security Council permanent members—while promoting initiatives like “Global Security Initiative" and “Global Governance Initiative” for a fairer and more secure global system.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Zhang underscored, “the true strength of any bilateral relationship lies in its people-to-people connections—the historical ties, shared interests, and common aspirations that bind us together.”

Zhang stressed the importance of Cebu in strengthening these ties: “I hope to see more Cebuanos and Visayans visiting China, more Chinese visiting this region. I hope to see more people promoting sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. I hope to see more people playing a positive roll in getting bilateral relations back on the right track.”

As Cebu is home to one of the Philippines’ largest Chinese communities, both Chinese and Filipino-Chinese have contributed a lot to the local economic and social development while serving as a bridge between our two nations, she added.

Looking ahead, the Consul General expressed optimism that Cebu will continue to play a vital role in China-Philippines exchanges. “May the enduring friendship between our peoples serve as a beacon of mutual respect, illuminating the path toward lasting peace and shared prosperity,” she concluded.