Chinese FM seeks to strengthen education cooperation with PH

MANILA – The Chinese government has been seeking to deepen its “educational cooperation” with the Philippines in order for Filipino youth to get better understanding about China.

During the recent meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, who is also the Department of Education, the proposal was made.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday night stated that Duterte “fully agrees” with the proposals and looked forward to the cooperation of the two nations.

“Wang Yi said education comes first in national development. China is ready to deepen educational cooperation with the Philippines to enhance the understanding and cognition of China among the younger generation of the Philippines, cement the foundation of public support for friendship between the two countries and provide intellectual support for bilateral practical cooperation,” the ministry said.

“China supports more Philippine young people to study in China and will facilitate the return of the Philippine students to China for their studies,” it added.

Beijing is prepared to expand its involvement in vocational education and language training, and assist Manila in enhancing its teaching facilities and also to “modernize its teaching.”

Last June 6, Wang and Duterte met during the Chinese official’s two-day visit to the Philippines.

Wang congratulated her on her election as vice president and conveyed “cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping” to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Wang Yi said over the past six years, under the care and guidance of President Xi Jinping and former President Duterte, China-Philippines relations have achieved turnarounds, consolidation, and upgrading,” the MOFA said.

“China appreciates the Philippines for upholding the spirit of independence, safeguarding national dignity and speeding up national development. China is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation in the four key areas of agriculture, infrastructure, energy and culture based on the policy priorities of the new Philippine administration,” it added.