Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen conducted a New Year media briefing in Cebu, outlining China’s major development achievements, diplomatic priorities, and relations with the Philippines, while underscoring the media’s role in promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
During the briefing, Consul Zhang described 2025 as a pivotal year for China, marking the successful conclusion of the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan. She said China’s gross domestic product surpassed 140 trillion RMB, recording a growth rate of 5.0 percent, alongside significant advances in artificial intelligence, 5G technology, smart infrastructure, health care, and social services.
Consul Zhang also highlighted social development gains, noting that China reduced rural poverty by 10.8 million people and expanded basic medical insurance coverage to more than 1.36 billion citizens during the same period.
On governance, Consul Zhang pointed to China’s sustained anti-corruption campaign, citing the “Eight-Point Regulations” as a key policy that strengthened discipline, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced public trust in government institutions.
Looking ahead, Consul Zhang said the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan would create new opportunities for international cooperation, particularly with ASEAN countries. She identified smart logistics, digital trade, green energy, and cross-border e-commerce as priority areas for future collaboration.
Addressing the Taiwan issue, Consul Zhang emphasized that it remains a core interest of China. “The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. It is at the heart of China’s core interests,” she said, adding that “the one-China principle is the anchor for cross-Strait peace and stability.”
Consul Zhang also outlined China’s broader diplomatic approach, which she said is guided by “humanity’s common values,” including support for multilateralism, reform of global governance, and deeper cooperation with developing countries in the Global South.
As China and the Philippines mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Consul Zhang cited expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and energy, as well as China’s humanitarian assistance to Cebu in the aftermath of natural disasters. She noted that cooperation between the two countries delivers tangible benefits to their peoples, while stressing the importance of maintaining stable political relations and effectively managing maritime differences.
Consul Zhang concluded by recognizing the media’s role as “a bridge for communication,” encouraging journalists to uphold objectivity and help foster friendship and understanding between the Chinese and Filipino peoples.
