China will make joint efforts as always with the government and people of the Philippines in enhancing mutual trust and reciprocal cooperation in all sectors, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhu Bangzao in Beijing Sunday.
Zhu made the remark in response to a question raised by a journalist on the inauguration of new Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The spokesman said that China has been informed of Arroyo's assumption of presidency by the Philippine embassy in Beijing. He said Arroyo is a friend of the Chinese people and she paid a successful visit to China last year.
China and the Philippines, as close neighbors, enjoy a traditional friendship, Zhu said, adding that it is the established policy of the Chinese government to develop friendly cooperation with the Philippines.
( Eastday.com 01/21/2001)
