The Philippine government has reiterated its adherence to the one China policy as Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is making a three-day state visit to China to further strengthen bilateral relations.

This policy has been a major principle underlying diplomatic relations between the two countries since 1975, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the only Chinese nation and Taiwan is an integral part of its territory, the Philippines News Agency Wednesday quoted newly-installed Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo as saying.

"Our trade with this country has been growing at a much faster rate than China's trade with the world, with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and with individual ASEAN countries," Romulo said.

During her stay in China, Arroyo will discuss economic, cultural, political and security matters with top Chinese leaders.

Economic relations with China have reached a new level, with the Philippines currently posting a favorable balance of trade and a trade surplus of 3.2 billion US dollars in 2003.

Last year, Philippine exports to China reached 6.3 billion dollars, almost double China's exports of 3.1 billion dollars to the Philippines.

Arroyo's visit is also expected to boost the implementation of her 10-point agenda for the next six years of economic growth and job creation.

Along with other Asian leaders, Arroyo is scheduled to address the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties in her capacity as head of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.