Outgoing Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said Sino-Philippine ties have improved despite the current spat between the two nations over the South China Sea.

In a pre-Independence Day celebration organized by the Filipino-Chinese community in Manila, Aquino thanked the organization for paving the way for the two nations to foster understanding and cooperation as well as enhance closer ties in various areas such as in trade, investment, tourism, and culture.

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Aquino specifically highlighted the important role that the organization has played by being a communications conduit between Beijing and Manila amid the South China Sea dispute. The Philippines filed a case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague, Netherlands four years ago.

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), whose members include the wealthiest and biggest names in the business sector in the country, came in full force to the Philippine Independence Day celebrations in support of President Aquino, who will be vacating his office on June 30.

Peace and stability

"These efforts have certainly helped us, both the Philippines and China, to continue to pursue peace, stability, and inclusive progress in our part of the world," Aquino said.

Chinese Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua, who was present at the celebrations, said trade relations between the two sides were improving despite some obstacles.

Zhao, who referred to Manila and Beijing as 'partners,' said China places great emphasis on its friendship with the Philippines and will help maintain peace and stability in the region.

"China attaches great importance to our relationship with the Philippines and has always regarded the Philippines as a friend rather than foe, a partner rather than a rival."

"I firmly believe that the future of China-Philippine relations will be brighter, the friendship between our peoples will be deeper, bilateral cooperation between our two countries will be more fruitful," Zhao added.

Tourism industry

Zhao said tourism between China and the Philippine has been more in favor of Beijing citing figures which showed more Filipinos visited the mainland than Chinese visitors visited Manila last year. But he was pointed out that more than half a million Chinese visited the Philippines in 2015, making it the third country that has contributed much to the Philippines' tourism industry.

The ambassador said the tourism industry in China and the Philippines has a 'great potential' to foster cooperation between the two nations.

"To promote our bilateral friendship and cooperation serves the fundamental interests of our two countries, the well-being of our two peoples, as well as the peace and stability in our region," Zhao said.

Manila is awaiting the ruling of a case it filed against China over the South China Sea dispute at the international arbitration court in the Hague. The verdict is expected to be handed down this month.

Beijing has said that it does not recognize the jurisdiction of the court, and it will not abide by any ruling on the case. 

TagsPhilippine Independence Day, Filipino-Chinese community, President Benigno Aquino III, South China Sea, Sino-Philippine relations, china