Chen Laiping, Consul & Head of post addressed the reception

On the evening of February 2, in Fort Ilocandia, the Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Laoag held a reception on the occasion of the 2008 Chinese Spring Festival. Around 200 guests, including Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, Sangguuniang Panlungsod Members of Laoag City, heads of regional offices of branches of National Departments, local media, friends from Taiwan and Hong Kong, and representatives from Chinese Communities, Chinese Companies, Chinese students and teachers, Chinese workers in Laoag, attended the function.

Starting with national anthem of China and the Philippines, Chen Laiping, Consul & Head of post addressed the reception. Chen first paid new year call and sent his best wishes to all guests and their families, and briefly introduced the origin and customs of Spring Festival.

Chen said, continuous and remarkable achievements have been scored in China's reform and opening up as well as modernization drive in 2007. The past year witnessed the convening of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the spurting of the preparation for Beijing Olympic Games, the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and the successful launch of China's first man-made satellite Chang'e. Chen indicated that the year of 2008 is of vital importance to China as well. In March NPC (National People's Congress) and CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) will be held to elect a new term of state leadership. On August 8 we will hold 29th Beijing Olympic Games. The Year 2008 also marks the 30th anniversary of adoption of China's reform and opening-up policy. Regarding the recent snow disaster raging in China, Chen said, Chinese government had taken quick actions and led Chinese people fight against the blizzard.

Chen said, under the general background of comprehensive development of Sino-Philippine relations, the consulate is looking forward to increasing friendly exchanges with all provinces and cities within our consular district, and to playing a positive role in promoting bilateral cooperation in the areas of personal exchanges, economy, trade and investment. On the other hand, all provinces and cities within our consular district are also expected to be positively working with Chinese counterparts in looking for possibilities of exchanges and cooperation in all fields by making use of their own geological and resource advantages.

In his speech, Chen emphasized the consistent standpoints on Taiwan issue. Chen indicated that, Chen Shui-bian authority be pushing for a proposed referendum on entry to UN, which is a crucial step intending to change the status quo that Mainland China and Taiwan belong to one and the same China, and leading towards Taiwan Independence de jure. It is also regarded as a covert referendum on Taiwan Independence. It is the most important and most imperative task for all Chinese sons and daughters now to resolutely frustrate their conspiracy of referendum on UN membership and to terminate Chen Shui-bian authority's risky Taiwan Independence.

Decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, the reception proceeded in a warm and happy atmosphere. Guests highly spoke of the great achievements in economy and social development of China, praised the increasing overall national strength and elevating influence in global arena of China ever since she adopted the reform and opening-up policy. They said, attending this function widened their knowledge of China, especially the tradition of Chinese festivals. Many local Filipino Chinese even said, as people having Chinese blood, Spring Festival would forever be their own festival, no matter where they live, they would manage to come and celebrate it with the Consulate. Regarding the snow disaster in China, some guests also expressed their sympathies and condolences.