Even as China is facing a fresh surge of COVID-19 cases, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will still be flying to the country for a state visit slated from January 3 to 6, 2023. | BPinlacINQ
Imperial, however, pointed out that Marcos’ state visit to China, upon the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jin Ping, is not a commitment that can easily be postponed.“May mga bisita na hindi natin pwedeng i-postpone,” he said in a press briefing at the Malacañang Palace.
“Ang ating ugnayang panlabas sa China ay napaka importante. We have received assurances from our Chinese host that all arrangements are being made to ensure the President’s and his delegation’s safety during the visit.”Imperial also noted that a bubble arrangement for Marcos and his Philippine delegation will be followed “to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus.”
“Every precaution is being undertaken to ensure that the delegation is not infected and does not bring back the new variants of the virus to the Philippines,” he added. Marcos, according to Imperial, will be joined by First Lady Liza Marcos, former President and House Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo “and other Cabinet secretaries whose presence may be needed to sign bilateral agreements with their Chinese counterparts.”