Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message to President-elect Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election as the Philippines' 15th president.

In the congratulatory message, Hu said China and the Philippines have witnessed remarkable development of bilateral relations since they forged diplomatic ties 35 years ago.

Leaders of the two countries have had frequent contacts and continuously enhanced their political mutual trust, he said.

Exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have yielded fruitful results in the fields of politics, trade, agriculture and culture, and the two sides have maintained communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs, Hu said.

Per government policy, China will continue to strengthen its good neighborly relationship with the Philippines and deepen their strategic cooperation, he said.

The Chinese president said he wished to work with Aquino III to develop the traditional friendship between the two countries, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

He also wished to promote the China-Philippines strategic relationship of cooperation and contribute to the regional peace, stability and development.