On 17 April 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with the Honorable Theresa P. Lazaro, Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and ASEAN SOM Leader of the Philippines, in Manila. The DFA Assistant Secretary Daniel Ramos Espiritu also attended the meeting.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated that the ACC has been actively serving as a communication channel since its inception 12 years ago. Through institutional platforms, it has connected various parties’ needs, tapped potential for cooperation and expanded cooperation in emerging areas, thus playing an important role in accelerating the convergence of bilateral interests and enhancing mutual understanding among the peoples. The ACC looks forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with the Philippine DFA to foster continuous progress of China-Philippines relations of comprehensive strategic cooperation and ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Lazaro welcomed Secretary General Shi’s visit to the Philippines while appreciating the ACC’s active contribution to promoting practical cooperation between ASEAN and China in various fields. She looked forward to the ACC’s bigger role in coordinating resources on the related parties, conducting more offline exchanges, deepening sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, while fostering mutual understanding among the peoples of ASEAN and China under the new circumstances. The Philippines will continue to support and participate in the activities sponsored by the ACC as always.