𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐙𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐙𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐃𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐆

Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhen led a New Year media briefing in Cebu, outlining China’s major developments, diplomatic priorities, and relations with the Philippines, while underscoring the role of media in fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.

In her briefing, Zhang highlighted China’s achievements under the 14th Five-Year Plan, describing 2025 as “a pivotal year for China as it successfully concluded the 14th Five-Year Plan, a milestone in its modernization journey.” She noted that China’s GDP surpassed 140 trillion RMB, posting a 5.0 percent growth, alongside major advances in artificial intelligence, 5G, smart infrastructure, health care, and social services. During the same period, China reduced rural poverty by 10.8 million and expanded basic medical insurance coverage to over 1.36 billion people.

Zhang also emphasized China’s anti-corruption drive, citing the “Eight-Point Regulations” as a cornerstone of modern governance that strengthened discipline, curbed bureaucracy, and improved public trust. Looking ahead, she said the 15th Five-Year Plan would open new opportunities for global and ASEAN cooperation, particularly in smart logistics, digital trade, green energy, and cross-border e-commerce.

On the Taiwan issue, Zhang stressed that “The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. It is at the heart of China’s core interests,” adding that “The one-China principle is the anchor for cross-Strait peace and stability.” She also discussed China’s diplomatic approach, guided by “humanity’s common values,” and its support for multilateralism, global governance reform, and cooperation with the Global South. Marking the 50th anniversary of China–Philippines diplomatic relations, Zhang cited growing trade, infrastructure, and energy cooperation, as well as China’s humanitarian assistance to Cebu following natural disasters. She noted that “cooperation benefit the people, and the potential is enormous,” while underscoring the importance of stable political relations and effective management of maritime differences.

Zhang concluded by recognizing the media’s role as “a bridge for communication,” encouraging journalists to uphold objectivity and help promote friendship and understanding between the Chinese and Filipino peoples