The China trip is borne out of a gracious invitation from the Chinese Ambassador HE Zhao Jianhua. In essence, the Department of Energy (DOE) is being invited to "enhance energy cooperation between our two countries".

The DOE is fortunate to have the opportunity to touch base with our counterparts in China's own ministry of energy. The purpose of the meeting is exclusively to improve our overall energy development efforts, gain knowledge from their best practices, and hopefully attract investments in our local energy projects.

I will be there strictly in my official capacity as DOE Secretary.

This meeting is a clear indication that President Duterte's state visit to China late last year was indeed successful, and is now yielding tangible benefits for our country.

About the PDP's trip to China, I would say that it coincides with the DOE official trip. In any case, it is a simple side trip for pleasantries, sharing and cultural exchange.

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