Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian marked his farewell on Thursday, September 25, with a call for overseas Chinese in the Philippines to continue fostering closer ties between the two nations, as he also led a reception celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.

Huang, who has served as Beijing’s envoy to Manila for nearly six years — the longest tenure of any Chinese ambassador to the Philippines — used his final address to highlight both the achievements of China’s development and the resilience of China–Philippines relations.

He paid special tribute to overseas Chinese communities, businesses, and volunteers in the Philippines, whom he credited with playing an “irreplaceable role” in strengthening ties during both crises and moments of uncertainty.

“Compatriots and friends, the vast community of Chinese compatriots and overseas Chinese in the Philippines, Chinese enterprises and media institutions, Chinese language teaching volunteers, and students have shared the same breath with the motherland’s development and a common destiny with China–Philippines relations,” Huang said in Chinese. “We have walked together through storms, crossed obstacles side by side, and shouldered difficulties together.”

Huang recalled how the community provided generous support during the COVID-19 pandemic and engaged tirelessly during periods of strain in bilateral relations. “Your compassion and dedication have strengthened the solid foundation of China–Philippines friendship, and your selfless contributions have deepened the mutual understanding and closeness between our two peoples,” he said.

He added that as he prepared to leave Manila, his “deepest concern remains with the compatriots and overseas Chinese in the Philippines,” before offering “heartfelt gratitude and highest respect” and urging them to continue fostering goodwill between the two nations.

The event also commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Huang stressed that the bonds between the two nations extended back more than a thousand years and would outlast present challenges.

“The friendship between China and the Philippines spans more than a thousand years,” he said. “The challenges we face today are but passing moments in the long course of history. I am therefore confident that, through the continued efforts of people of vision, we will overcome the difficulties before us and bring our relations back onto the right track of sound and steady development.”

He also underscored China’s role as a global economic driver and a force for peace. He pointed to China’s rapid growth, technological advances, and commitment to stability as central to its role in world affairs.

Looking back on his posting in the Philippines, Huang described his nearly six years as “an unforgettable and truly extraordinary journey.” He said he witnessed “the ups and downs of China–Philippines relations” but always felt the “friendship and goodwill of the Philippine people toward the Chinese people.”

“The Philippine people are kind, warm and hospitable. From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope that people of the Philippines will enjoy a happy and prosperous life. This is my deepest and most heartfelt wish for the people of this country,” he said.

Huang cited solidarity during the pandemic, dialogue over maritime disputes, and people-to-people exchanges as examples of how both countries navigated challenges together. He said he believed the “momentum of China–Philippines relations is unstoppable” despite ongoing differences.

“Finally, let us all wish for the prosperity of our great countries, the well-being of our peoples, the everlasting friendship between China and the Philippines, and the good health and happiness of our distinguished guests,” he said.