On February 2, 2024, Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong met with Governor of the Cagayan Province of the Philippines Manuel Mamba, who attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province.

Nong Rong introduced in depth the guiding principles of the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs and said that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the core concept of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and is widely welcomed by ASEAN countries. China's development has brought great opportunities to neighboring countries. The principles of good-neighborliness and friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development serve the fundamental interests of both countries. China is committed to implementing the important common understandings reached during the meeting between the two heads of state, properly handling differences through dialogue and communication, and bringing bilateral relations back to the right track. Nong Rong expressed the hope that Manuel Mamba and other people with vision from all walks of life in the Philippines will make joint efforts to this end. Noting that Cagayan Province has huge potential for cooperation with Fujian and other Chinese provinces and cities, Nong Rong also expressed the hope that the two sides will strengthen exchanges and constantly deepen practical cooperation through such channels as friendly provinces and friendly cities to consolidate the foundation of China-Philippines friendship.

Manuel Mamba said, he was deeply impressed by President Xi Jinping's ideas on national governance and China's development achievements. He believes that the Philippines and China are eternal neighbors and must make bilateral relations a success. The two countries should resolve differences through dialogue and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. Cagayan Province is the closest Philippine province to China. It has broad space for cooperation in agriculture and other fields and will serve as a bridge to promote Philippines-China friendship and cooperation.