Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. on his election as president of the Republic of the Philippines.

China and the Philippines are neighbors facing each other across the sea and partners through thick and thin, Xi said.

In recent years, with the joint efforts of both sides, the bilateral relations have been consolidated and enhanced, bringing benefits to the people of both countries and contributing to regional peace and stability, Xi added.

China and the Philippines are at a critical stage of development and their relations face important opportunities and enjoy broad prospects, he stressed. 

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of the bilateral ties, Xi said he is ready to establish a good working relationship with Marcos Jr. to uphold good-neighborliness and joint development, and further advance the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship to benefit the two countries and their people.

Marcos Jr., 64, the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos, won the Philippine presidential election on Wednesday. He said in a video address that his team will focus on areas including economy, employment, prices, education and infrastructure construction.

On the same day, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan also sent a congratulatory message to Sara Duterte Carpio, the Philippines' vice president-elect. Carpio will serve as education secretary in the country's cabinet.

(With input from Xinhua) 

(Cover: Presidential candidate Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. celebrates outside his headquarters in Mandaluyong, Philippines, May 11, 2022. /CFP)