Metro Manila, Philippines – Jing Quan, formerly the deputy head of China’s embassy in Washington, arrived in Manila on Saturday to take up his post as Beijing’s top envoy to the Philippines, pledging to safeguard national interests while working to stabilize increasingly tense bilateral relations.
“As the ambassador, I will firmly safeguard China’s national interests and dignity, while also serving as a bridge to ensure China-Philippines relations stabilize rather than deteriorate, and that our peoples draw closer instead of drifting apart,” Jing said upon arrival, according to state media Global Times report.
“The task is heavy, but I am confident,” Jing added.
The embassy emphasized his commitment to fostering closer diplomatic and economic ties, even as disputes over maritime boundaries continue to test the relationship.
Critical moment in PH-China ties
Jing’s arrival comes at a sensitive moment in China-Philippines relations. Tensions have intensified in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea claimed by both nations. Recent months have seen increased patrols by Chinese vessels, diplomatic protests by Manila, and heightened international scrutiny of Beijing’s growing influence in the region.
At the same time, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signaled a willingness to redefine Manila’s approach toward Beijing. Since taking office in 2022, Marcos has pursued a pragmatic policy aimed at expanding economic engagement while carefully managing security concerns, especially amid the U.S.-China rivalry in Southeast Asia.
Under his administration, Manila has sought to maintain strong ties with the United States while also encouraging Chinese investment in infrastructure, trade, and energy projects.
“I continue to find ways to redefine our relationship with China,” Marcos said. “When you talk about China and the Philippines, all you talk about are the territorial disputes. I think there is a huge possibility for trade, for exchanges, for all kinds of discussions and engagements between China and us that do not include these territorial disputes.”
Marcos’ approach comes despite renewed tensions, particularly China’s recent declaration of a “national nature reserve” over Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, which he earlier condemned as a violation of Philippine sovereignty. During the ASEAN-China Summit, he emphasized the importance of ASEAN taking the lead in resolving disputes in the South China Sea and expressed optimism about finalizing a Code of Conduct during the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship.
