MANILA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Raul Lambino, chairman of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding, said on Friday that now is the time for the Philippines to accelerate its collaboration with China.
During a forum on Philippines-China relations, Lambino said China has "significantly aided the Philippines in its paths to growth."
"The mutual trust between the two countries has never been stronger in forging a more robust bilateral relationship," he said.
He added the Philippines looks forward to working with China to increase collaboration in priority sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on the forum the world can look at China amid the "very confusing" global geopolitical situation.
"China is building on the foundation created by the moderately prosperous society," said Arroyo, who is now senior deputy speaker of the House, adding other countries could base their plans on China's efforts to attain a great modern society.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said in his speech that China welcomes the Philippines to become an essential partner as it embarks on a Chinese path to modernization.
"China encourages the Philippines to become an important partner in China's pursuit of Chinese modernization and share the opportunities of China's huge market and China's efforts to advance opening up and deepen international cooperation," Huang said.
As developing countries, China and the Philippines share development goals and extensive common interests, the Chinese envoy added. "We are committed to elevating our cooperation to benefit our two peoples."
"The blueprints of China-Philippines relations have been painted at this time for us to take concrete actions to make it happen," he said. ■