MANILA -- Chinese Embassy Manila on Friday released a song that shows the "mutual support" between the Philippines and China amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The lyrics of the song, titled "Iisang Dagat" (One Sea), were written by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.
Filipina "jukebox queen" and Camarines Sur vice-governor Imelda Papin sang parts of the song, along with Chinese diplomat Xia Wenxin, Filipino-Chinese singer Jhonvid Bangayan, and Chinese actor Yubin.
"China and the Philippines have been supporting and helping each other during the challenge of COVID-19 outbreak, demonstrating a new era partnership of mutual support during trying times and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind advocated by the Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping," read a post on the Chinese Embassy Manila Facebook page.
"This original music video 'Iisang Dagat' is dedicated to those who contributed to our fight against the epidemic from both countries, especially the China Medical Expert Team to the Philippines," it added.
"'Ikaw at ako'y nasa iisang dagat, ang iyong pagmamahal aking kasama.' Just as the lyric goes, as friendly neighbors across the sea, China and the Philippines will continue to join hands and make every effort to overcome the COVID-19 at the earliest!"
The music video for "Iisang Dagat" also featured statements of support for China from President Rodrigo Duterte, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Health Secretary Francisco Duque, and other Filipino government officials.
Also part of the video are members of the China Medical Expert Team to the Philippines and Chinese diplomats.
"Iisang Dagat" came amid the country's diplomatic protests against China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Early this week, the military said a Chinese warship had "hostile intent" when it pointed a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship in February.
Beijing claims nearly all of the resource-rich South China Sea and has rejected a UN-backed international tribunal ruling that favored the Philippines and invalidated China's sweeping claims in the disputed waters.