18 August 2004 – Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael E. Seguis received yesterday Vice-Chairman Li Zhaozhuo of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which is an advisory body in the People’s Republic of China. The CPPCC is similar to that of a legislative upper house. Former members of the CPPCC include leaders such as Mao Zedong,
Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping.

The Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Vice-Chairman discussed the gamut of bilateral relations between the Philippines and China. In particular the big trade numbers posted in 2003 which amounted to US$9.4 billion with a US$3.2 billion surplus for the Philippines and the upcoming 30th anniversary of Philippines-China relations on 9 June 2005. Other areas of cooperation
include China’s assistance with the Northrail project, which will redevelop rail lines from Caloocan City to Malolos Bulacan in Phase 1 of the project and eventually from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga for Phase 2 of the project. Once these rail lines are operational they will help promote the development of the northern part of Luzon and would serve to decongest Manila. The two officials also discussed China’s contribution to Philippine agriculture through the hybrid rice program which has increased the productivity of
Filipino farmers.

Vice-Chairman Li is in the country to promote closer ties between the CPPCC and the Philippine Congress. Aside from calling on the Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs he also called on Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Jose de Venecia. The CPPCC is very active in promoting relations with other countries, institutions, and international organizations.China has been pursuing friendly relations with its neighbors including the Philippines and the visit to the country of Vice-Chairman Li is just one of
the ways by which the PRC is carrying out this foreign policy of good neighborliness.