From May 22 to 27, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba led a delegation from Cagayan Province to visit China.

The delegation visited the cities of Hangzhou and Huzhou from May 23 to 24. They attended the 2023 China—ASEAN Sustainable Development Cooperation Conference where Governor Member delivered a keynote speech.

Zhejiang Province Vice Governor Yang Qingjiu warmly welcomed Governor Mamba and the delegation. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening the friendly cooperation between their respective provinces. Huzhou City of Zhejiang Province and Tuguegarao City, the capital Cagayan Province signed a letter of intent to establish friendly relations.

On May 26, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong also met with the delegation. Sun emphasized that as China and Philippines are close neighbors, good neighborliness and friendship are the common interests of both countries. With this, China is willing to work with the Philippines, and abide by its obligations, focus on development, deepen their cooperation, and help each other in their respective modernization processes, and bring more benefits for the people of both countries.He welcomes Cagayan Province to form a good relation with local Chinese provinces and cities, and together share experiences and learn from each other so as to promote common development.

On his side, Mamba said that the Philippines and China should always adhere to peace, friendship and cooperation. Cagayan is geographically close to China, and it has historically been the earliest area for the Philippines to engage in exchanges with China. As such, Cagayan is willing to become the gateway and bridge for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Further, the Governor hopes to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation of Cagayan with local Chinese provinces and cities in order to learn from their advanced experiences, and to move forward together on the road of development.

On the same day, Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Vice President Yuan Mindao convened with Governor Mamba and his party. The two sides had an in-depth exchange on jointly promoting China-Philippines friendship and local exchanges, and other topics of common concern.Yuan Mindao mentioned that China and the Philippines are close neighbors separated only by a strip of water, wherein the practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results and brought tangible benefits for their people. As such, he extended his appreciation to Governor Mamba and their local government for their valuable efforts in attaching great importance to the exchanges and cooperation with China.

Conversely, Governor Mamba thanked the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries for its warm invitation and hospitality. Through their field visits in Zhejiang, Beijing and other places, he believes that each member of the delegation deeply felt China's rapid changes and great achievements. He was also delighted to have reached a positive consensus with China in carrying out more local practical cooperation, and in deepening friendly exchanges among their people.He further assured that Cagayan is willing to continue to contribute to the China-Philippines cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, humanities and cultural exchanges.