On October 25, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Philippine Foreign Minister Alberto Romulo, who is accompanying Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

During the meeting, Yang said China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have maintained sound, stable development in general with increasing political trust and smooth development of mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas including economy, trade, agriculture and infrastructure construction. The two countries have also cooperated actively in international and regional affairs. China attaches importance to ties with the Philippines and is ready to work with it to advance bilateral cooperation.

Romulo said bilateral relationship is at its best time, adding that the Philippine side attaches importance to China's role in world economic stability and is ready to see continuous progress of the ties.