China's new ambassador to Philippines calls for enhanced cooperation to improve bilateral relations

China's newly appointed Ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, is already charting a course for improving Beijing-Manila relations within his first month of tenure, calling for both sides to resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy at a recent New Year reception in Manila, the Philippine capital.

The New Year reception, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, brought together guests from local government, the private sector, and the media. The ambassador presided over the event, and outlined his vision for the future development of China-Philippines relations.

"Just as I arrived in the airport I said ‘I will firmly safeguard national interests and dignity, while serving as a bridge to ensure that the China-Philippines relations move toward stability rather than deterioration'," said Jing Quan.

Jing, an experienced diplomat who previously served as a minister at the Chinese Embassy in the United States, has arrived in Manila at a critical juncture, as renewed tensions in the South China Sea have placed the bilateral relationship under increased scrutiny.

Despite the challenges, he emphasized that China remains the Philippines' largest trading partner and top source of imports. He also highlighted Chinese-supported infrastructure projects in the Philippines aimed at improving transportation and fostering economic cooperation, stating that both sides should continue strengthening collaboration in these areas for mutual benefit.

"Last month, the China-aided Bucana bridge over the Davao river was successfully completed and opened to traffic, shortening travel time from 2 hours to just 20 minutes. In addition, Chinese companies are currently building one bridge in Manila and another in Davao," he said.

On tourism, he welcomed the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs' new visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, which allows them to enter the Philippines for tourism and business without a visa starting January 16. He also stressed the need for both countries to enhance efforts in combating illegal activities within the Philippines that harm tourism exchanges.

"We welcome this positive gesture. We believe it will lead to a new wave of Chinese tourists. However, in recent years criminal cases such as kidnappings and scams targeting Chinese citizens have had a very negative impact. So we hope to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the Philippine side," said the ambassador.

Guests attending the event expressed optimism about the new ambassador, viewing his initial diplomatic outreach as a positive signal for the future of China-Philippines relations.

"He wants to end this belligerence, seeming belligerence, between the Philippines and China. And I think he can do it. He has got a knack, I think, for getting in touch with a lot of people," said Rigoberto Tiglao, an editorial consultant at the Manila Times.

"He is a very open ambassador, and well-experienced in diplomacy, especially in dealing with the United States, and he is very progressive and wanting to make a difference in Philippines-China relations," said Rommel Banlaoi, director of the Philippines-China Studies Center.

China's new ambassador to Philippines calls for enhanced cooperation to improve bilateral relations

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has urged the EU and China to pursue results-driven cooperation, stressing that partnership must be judged by outcomes rather than declarations.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Lagarde stressed the need for a stable, sustainable and level playing field relationship.

"There is no love, there is only proof of love. And I think that it's one thing to declare, to state and to affirm principles. It's another thing to deliver, in practical terms, a stable, sustainable and level playing field relationship. And I think that we should all work in that direction. I think the European Union and China can work in that direction as well," Lagarde said.

Drawing on her experience leading the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2011 to 2019, Lagarde praised China's role as a reliable partner.

"I observed, as former managing director of the IMF, that China was always a good partner in that institution. And I think this is important and it should be continued. I think the issue of pricing, grants, subsidies and all that need to be on the table, as will imbalances going forward. And I understand that both the G7, the G20 and other international forums will address those issues," she said.

Lagarde also said that China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) is poised to strengthen global integration through balanced, demand-led growth.

"China is a case in point of good, long-term planning and you certainly excel at sticking to the plan and focusing on delivering. My personal hope, particularly with the view to reducing imbalances, is that what I've heard many of the Chinese leaders say, that there will be a focus on domestic consumption," said the ECB president.

Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 WEF meeting opened on Monday in Davos and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.

Lagarde urges EU-China ties to pursue results-driven cooperation