Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day – June 9, 2025

History of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

The Philippines started considering having better relations with China at the start of the 1970s as they believed it would benefit both countries immensely. A few years later, on June 9, 1975, diplomatic relations were established between the two nations through the signing of the Joint Communique by both countries’ leaders. For over 47 years, Filipino-Chinese relations have been gradually built. They have attained smooth development and remarkable achievements in all areas of bilateral cooperation.

Over the years, several major bilateral agreements have been signed between China and the Philippines. The Joint Trade Agreement was signed after diplomatic relations were established between both nations. The Joint Trade Agreement was established in 1975 and still exists today. In 1978, the Postal Agreement and the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement were signed to ensure the delivery of goods and technological advancements.

In 1979, the Air Services Agreement and Cultural Agreement were signed to further strengthen the relationship between China and the Philippines. Then in 1992, the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement was signed.

A few years later, in 1999, the Visiting Forces Agreement, Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation, and Tax Agreement were all signed by both nations to the delight of both governments. On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, in May 2000, both countries signed a Joint Statement. This defined the framework of bilateral relations in the 21st century.