On 5 June 2023, H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) welcomed a delegation headed by the Honorable Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines at the ACC. H.E. Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz of the Philippines to China was present. 

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun expressed his appreciation for the Philippines’ active participation in and support to ASEAN-China practical cooperation. He also highlighted the important role of the ACC in promoting mutual understanding and sincere friendship between the peoples of ASEAN and China, thus contributing more to the building of ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Assistant Secretary Ponce expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the Philippine delegation. She reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening ASEAN-China relations and supporting the ACC to do more in the purpose of making the bonds between ASEAN and China even closer, richer and stronger, and better benefiting the peoples from both sides.