Our republic’s political leaders led by President Gloria M. Arroyo, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Joe de Venecia and business leaders led by Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) honorary chairman Lucio Tan and president Francis Chua, John Gokongwei Jr., Henry Sy and others warmly welcomed recent visitor People’s Republic of China President Hu Jintao mainly due to our neighbor’s newfound economic clout and China’s offer of $1.7 billion in new loans, investments and other assistance. Our bilateral trade is also booming to record levels. This visit celebrates 30 years of official diplomatic ties between Beijing and Manila, plus 1,000 years of friendship since pre-Hispanic times. However, if they only fully knew details of President Hu’s inspiring life story, his struggle against adversity, his discipline and visionary leadership, then they would be more awed by his inspiring success story.

Who better to symbolize the new and positive face of modern China than the smiling President Hu Jintao, who looks more like a billionaire taipan or banker than a Communist Party chief in his elegant dark suit and telegenic smile? Who is this visitor who has just newly consolidated his political authority over the world’s largest nation and most dynamic economic miracle, but who is respected more like the CEO of a management team rather than a politico? Who is this rising star of Asia who so impressed the late Deng Xiaoping by his character, toughness and efficient track record that he was handpicked as a future leader to succeed Jiang Zemin?