Manila, June 7 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday reaffirmed the Philippines and China's enduring friendship and recognized the two nations' shared history, as he led the ceremonial lighting of iconic Jones Bridge in Manila.

"I am also glad to share that tonight's event has a deeper meaning. This project commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China. Half a century of friendship and shared history, all reflected here in the world's oldest Chinatown," he said during the ceremony.

Marcos said Jones Bridge played a significant role in the two countries' bilateral relations, stressing that it serves as a landmark "that has endured wars, floods, and a long, long history...