In a speech, Vice President Sara Duterte hailed the People’s Republic of China for its 73rd establishment anniversary on Monday, Sept. 26, using extended lines of Mandarin for the first time in a speech.

In a 42-second video clip, Duterte delivered some of her statements in Mandarin, the language used in Beijing and much of northern and southern China.

In her address, Duterte praised China for being a “kind friend” and for helping the Philippines’ economy recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, which had plunged the nation into recession.

“Thanks to China and its people, Tiger Cub economies, like the Philippines, are inspired to be more aggressive in our economic targets. In 2021, China stood as the Philippines’ top bilateral trading partner, helping us recover from the economic hardships brought about by the pandemic,” she stated.

“We are grateful that China is a generous neighbor. We look forward to forging more partnerships and collaborations with you as we journey together towards achieving our sustainable development goals and recovering from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.

The female official praised the “unwavering efforts of the Chinese people led by the Communist Party of China” that had propelled the country to the forefront of the economy, research and development, technology, and industry.

Because of China’s contribution to the Asian economy, the area has become “the world’s fastest expanding economic region,” according to Duterte.

More than China’s contribution to the Asian area, the Vice President emphasized how the two nations’ relationship blossomed under his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Philippines and China relations have soared and reached new heights under the guidance of former President Duterte and President Xi (Jinping),” she stated.

“I am delighted to note that this positive momentum has made diplomatic engagement with our President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Ambassador Huang (Xilian) smoother especially in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties,” she continued.