On 3 June 2010, the Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao to the Philippines delivered a keynote speech on China-Philippines relations for 35 years at the membership luncheon of the Rotary Club of Manila.

Ambassador Liu took stock of the encouraging development of China-Philippines relations in the past 35 years. He said that, "The two countries deserve the credit for rich fruits in exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, trade, education, culture and etc." "Both China and the Philippines are faced with new opportunities to advance our bilateral relationship into new depth. The Chinese Government and people cherish the relationship with the Philippines, and would be committed to work with the incoming Philippine new leadership to carry forward China-Philippines traditional friendship, forge ahead mutually-beneficial cooperation and enhance mutual exchanges and understanding," he elaborated.

Ambassador concluded his remarks by saying, "Reviewing the past and looking ahead to the future, we feel obliged to the courageous and industrious ice-breakers who opened China-Philippines relations, a ship now in need of wise and brave sailors to take it forward. We can be those sailors. Let us join hands to ride the wind of the times, raise the sails of friendship and cooperation and steer the ship into a better tomorrow. "

After the speech, Ambassador Liu also took from the floor some questions ranging from China-Philippines economic cooperation, South China Sea issue, human rights in China and situation on the Korean Peninsula.