On 13 March 2009, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Liu Jianchao called on H.E. Alberto G. Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Secretary Romulo warmly welcomed the assumption of office by Ambassador Liu and wished him all the best in his work and stay in the Philippines. Ambassador Liu pledged to exert every effort to promote China-Philippine relations and friendship between the two peoples.  

Ambassador Liu said that strengthening China-Philippine relationship is in the interest of both countries, it is also conducive to peace and development of the region. He proposed that both countries work together to enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust; to boost bilateral trade and investment; to strengthen cooperation in regional and international affairs, particularly to jointly address the global financial crisis; and to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, tourism as well as broaden people to people exchanges. Ambassador Liu also briefed H.E. Romulo that the cross-straits relations have entered a new stage of peaceful development and hoped that the Philippines continue to adhere to the One China Policy.  

Secretary Romulo agreed with Ambassador Liu and said that the Philippines attaches great importance to its relations with China. China's rapid development is beneficial to the Philippines, the region as well as the world. He said that Taiwan issue is China's internal affairs and the Philippines will consistently stick to the One China Policy. 

Concerning the Philippine legislation on the archipelagic baseline, Ambassador Liu reiterated China's firm stance, emphasizing that Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands have always been parts of China's territory and that the China has indisputable sovereignty over these islands and their adjacent waters. China and the Philippines should work together to preserve peace and stability in the South China Sea, and strive to resolve differences through dialogue. China will uphold the principle of shelving disputes and seeking joint development, continue to step up cooperation in the South China Sea with the Philippines and other pertinent parties. Secretary Romulo said that the Philippines will abide by the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The Philippines will continue cooperating with China in the South China Sea.

 After the meeting, Ambassador Liu presented the copy of his Letter of Credence to H.E. Romulo. On 9 March 2009, Ambassador Liu met with the Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific affairs and Acting Chief of the protocol office of Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.