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
